UPSC IFS Mains Exam 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Exam Schedule for IFS (Indian Forest Service) Exam 2025 on its official website. The UPSC IFS Main 2025 Exam will commence from Sunday, November 16, 2025 and will be conducted in two shifts, the forenoon session (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) and the afternoon session (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM), with the exam ending on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
The UPSC IFS (Indian Forest Service) exam is a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for India’s forestry and environment sector. It’s part of the broader Civil Services Examination and focuses on the scientific management of forests, wildlife, and natural resources to ensure ecological balance. The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is one of the three All India Services in India, alongside the IAS and IPS.
UPSC IFS Mains Exam 2025: Who is Eligible?
To pursue this career, candidates must qualify for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination and meet the prescribed eligibility norms before being shortlisted for the IFS Main Examination. A single online application process is used for both the Civil Services and the Indian Forest Service examinations. Once selected, IFS officers play a vital role in managing and conserving forests, safeguarding wildlife, and administering national parks, sanctuaries, and other protected areas.
UPSC IFS Main 2025 Schedule
The UPSC IFS Main 2025 Schedule is as follows:
| Date & Day | Forenoon Session (9.00 AM to 12.00 Noon) | Afternoon Session(2.30 PM to 5.30 PM) |
| 16-11-2025(Sunday) | General English | General Knowledge |
| 17-11-2025 ( Monday) | No paper ( Rest day ) | No paper ( Rest day ) |
| 18-11-2025 (Tuesday) | Mathematics Paper-I/ Statistics Paper-I | Mathematics Paper-II/ Statistics Paper-II |
| 19-11-2025 (Wednesday) | Civil Engineering Paper –I / Chemical Engineering Paper –I/ Mechanical Engineering Paper –I/ Zoology Paper -I | Civil Engineering Paper- II/ Chemical Engineering Paper –II/ Mechanical Engineering -Paper II/ Zoology Paper –II |
| 20-11-2025 (Thursday) | Agricultural Engineering Paper –I / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper- I/ Physics Paper- I | Agricultural Engineering Paper -II/ Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper- II/ Physics Paper- II |
| 21-11-2025 (Friday) | Chemistry Paper- I/ Botany Paper- I | Chemistry Paper- II/ Botany Paper- II |
| 22-11-2025 (Saturday) | Geology Paper- I | Geology Paper –II |
| 23-11-2025 (Sunday) | Agriculture Paper- I/ Forestry Paper- I | Agriculture Paper- II/ Forestry Paper –II |
After clearing the UPSC IFS Main, candidates face the final stage, which is the Personality Test or Interview, conducted in New Delhi by an expert panel. It evaluates knowledge, decision-making, integrity, communication, and motivation for forestry, based on the Detailed Application Form (DAF). The final merit list is prepared by combining interview and Mains scores.
