The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is one of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of officers at the All India level by the Government of India for the scientific management of its forests. Dietrich Brandis is widely considered the father of the Service.
IFoS belongs to the apex All India Services group. IFoS services are placed under various State cadres and joint cadres though they have the mandate to serve both under the State and Central Governments. The main moto of IFoS service is the implementation of the National Forest Policy which aims to ensure environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance.
It was constituted in the present form in 1966 under the All India Services Act, 1951, by the Government of India, although the service dates back to 1864 when it was established as the Imperial Forest Service under the British Raj.
The Indian Forest Service Exam is conducted in three rounds. A candidate has to clear one stage to qualify for the subsequent stage. They are explained below:
| Paper | Subject | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 300 |
| Paper II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional I | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional I | 200 |
| Paper V | Optional II | 200 |
| Paper VI | Optional II | 200 |
