•  Content Creator : Prabhjot Kaur
• 21-10-2024

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the schedule for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Examination 2024. The prestigious national-level exam, designed to recruit skilled candidates for scientific forest management, will be conducted from November 24, 2024, to December 1, 2024. For the UPSC IFS 2024 cycle, a total of 150 vacancies have been announced, offering a significant opportunity for aspirants wishing to enter the Indian Forest Services.

The Indian Forest Service is responsible for managing and conserving the country’s rich natural resources. The recruitment process, managed by UPSC, is rigorous, comprising three phases: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains Examination, and a final Interview or Personality Test.

Key Dates for UPSC IFS 2024

The UPSC IFS examination cycle for 2024 follows a structured schedule. Important dates for each stage of the examination process are outlined below:

 

UPSC IFS 2024 Application Process

The UPSC IFS 2024 application process took place from February 14, 2024, to March 5, 2024. Candidates were required to complete the process online through the official UPSC website, following these steps:

1. Registration: Candidates registered by providing their personal information, including their name, age, address, and educational details.
2. Filling the Application Form: Candidates completed the detailed application form, verifying all information before submitting.
3. Document Upload: Applicants uploaded all necessary documents, including identification proof, educational certificates, a photograph, and a signature in the specified format.
4. Choosing the Exam Center: Candidates selected their preferred exam center from available options. The allotment of centers was on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Final Submission and Fee Payment: After verifying their information, candidates submitted the form and paid the application fee, as outlined by their respective categories.

Application Fee:

• General/OBC/EWS: Rs.100
• SC/ST/PH & All Female Candidates: No Fee

The fee could be paid using net banking, credit/debit cards, or cash at any State Bank of India branch.

UPSC IFS Eligibility Criteria 2024

Candidates applying for UPSC IFS exam 2024 must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Age Limit: Minimum of 21 years and a maximum of 32 years as of August 1, 2024. Certain age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories.
2. Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology, or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering.
3. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.

UPSC IFS Selection Process

The selection process for the UPSC IFS 2024 examination consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers, each worth 200 marks. Paper-I focuses on General Studies, while Paper-II evaluates candidates' CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) skills. Candidates must clear both papers to advance to the Mains Examination.
2. Mains Examination: The Mains consist of seven descriptive papers totaling 1400 marks, including English, General Studies, and two optional subjects chosen by the candidate from a list of 14 disciplines. These exams test subject knowledge, analytical ability, and communication skills.
3. Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who pass the Mains are called for an Interview, which carries 300 marks. The board assesses qualities such as mental alertness, critical thinking, leadership abilities, and suitability for service in the Indian Forest Services.

UPSC IFS Mains Exam Pattern

The  UPSC IFS 2024 Mains Examination, scheduled from November 24 to December 1, 2024, will consist of the following papers:

 

Candidates must select two subjects from a list that includes Agriculture, Botany, Engineering, and more. Each subject has two papers, allowing candidates to showcase specialized knowledge.

Salary and Perks for UPSC IFS Officers

IFS officers receive a competitive starting salary, with the basic pay beginning at Rs.56,100 (Level 10) and reaching Rs.1,82,200 at the Senior Time Scale (Level 16). Additionally, officers receive various allowances, including a 20% Non-Practicing Allowance for those with medical qualifications. Other benefits include residential accommodation, educational allowances for children, and healthcare facilities under CGHS/CS(MA).

Admit Card and Exam Center Allotment

UPSC will issue the IFS 2024 Mains Admit Card approximately two to three weeks before the exam. Candidates can download it from the official UPSC website using their registration ID and birthdate. The admit card will contain essential information such as the candidate’s exam center, roll number, and exam timings. Candidates must bring a printed copy of the admit card to the exam center, as entry is prohibited without it.

For additional information on the UPSC IFS 2024 recruitment, candidates can visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. Keeping up-to-date with announcements is essential for aspirants, as it ensures they stay prepared for each exam stage and meet all necessary requirements.

This prestigious career path of UPSC IFS 2024 provides an unparalleled opportunity for individuals dedicated to protecting and managing India's forests and natural resources, while also contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation