UPSC IFS Main 2026: Exam Starts 22 November, Timetable and Who Qualified
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited applications for Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026, for the Indian Forest Service, 80 posts (Notification No. 06/2026-IFoSE, reported; the count may change) vacancies, All India. Forest cadre posting by state, as allotted by the government.. Age is counted as on Check the UPSC notification for the age rules on the eligibility date. Details below are from the official notice: Primary source: UPSC timetable for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 (TT-IFSM-26), from upsc.gov.in, read on 23 October 2026. The UPSC programme calendar (2026) lists the Main as commencing 22 November 2026, 7 days. Vacancies (80) and the shortlist count (1,046) come from secondary reports and are flagged in the post.
- Organization
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Post Name
- Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026, for the Indian Forest Service
- Total Vacancy
- 80 posts (Notification No. 06/2026-IFoSE, reported; the count may change)
- Application Mode
- Mains is for candidates shortlisted from the 2026 preliminary exam. Admit cards and results are on upsc.gov.in.
- Job Location
- All India. Forest cadre posting by state, as allotted by the government.
- Official Website
- upsc.gov.in
More from Union Public Service Commission.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Preliminary examination (IFS and CS(P) 2026) | 24 May 2026 (Civil Services Preliminary Examination, held the same day) |
| Main examination timetable | 22 to 29 November 2026 (UPSC timetable, Indian Forest Service Main 2026) |
What is confirmed
UPSC's own timetable for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 runs from 22 to 29 November 2026. The UPSC programme calendar for 2026 lists the same start date. Both are on upsc.gov.in.
Only candidates shortlisted after the preliminary examination can sit the Main. If you were not shortlisted, this exam is not for you.
The timetable, day by day
| Date | Forenoon (9 AM to 12 noon) | Afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Nov (Sunday) | General English | General Knowledge |
| 23 Nov (Monday) | Mathematics I / Zoology I | Mathematics II / Zoology II |
| 24 Nov (Tuesday) | No paper (gazetted holiday) | No paper |
| 25 Nov (Wednesday) | Civil / Chemical / Mechanical Engineering I | Civil / Chemical / Mechanical Engineering II |
| 26 Nov (Thursday) | Agricultural Engineering I / Animal Husbandry I / Botany I / Chemistry I | Agricultural Engineering II / Animal Husbandry II / Botany II / Chemistry II |
| 27 Nov (Friday) | Agriculture I / Forestry I | Agriculture II / Forestry II |
| 28 Nov (Saturday) | Physics I | Physics II |
| 29 Nov (Sunday) | Geology I / Statistics I | Geology II / Statistics II |
Each optional subject has two papers in one session. You sit only the papers for your chosen optional. The timetable shows which day each one falls on, so plan your travel and rest around it.
Who should read this
- Candidates shortlisted for the IFS Main 2026
- Students planning the 2027 cycle, who want to see how the Main is spread across the week
- Anyone choosing an optional subject, since the timetable shows how each one is scheduled
Reported figures (not from the UPSC notice itself)
- Posts: UPSC notification 06/2026-IFoSE is reported to list 80 posts, split 33 UR, 21 OBC, 12 SC, 8 EWS and 6 ST. Check the notification PDF for the final number.
- Shortlist: Press reports say UPSC shortlisted 1,046 candidates for the Main in June 2026, after the preliminary result. This was not checked against UPSC's own notice.
- Mains dates: Some coaching sites give other Mains dates. The UPSC timetable above is the one to use.
What to do before 22 November
- Download the admit card from upsc.gov.in when it is released. Check your name, roll number and centre.
- Plan the optional paper. Find your optional's day and session in the table above.
- Revise general papers. General English and General Knowledge run on the first day, so start with them.
- Keep the official site as your source. Ignore dates on third-party sites that do not match the timetable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the exam on 22 November for everyone? Yes, the first day is General English and General Knowledge for all candidates. Your optional papers follow on later days.
Is there a holiday in the middle? Yes. 24 November has no paper.
Where can I see my result? Results are on upsc.gov.in after the Main is evaluated.
Sources
UPSC timetable: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 (TT-IFSM-26-Engl), upsc.gov.in, read on 23 October 2026. UPSC programme of examinations 2026, upsc.gov.in, read the same day. Post count and shortlist figures are from secondary reports and are marked above.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on Check the UPSC notification for the age rules on the eligibility date)
| Category | Age Relaxation | Max Age |
|---|---|---|
| As per the notification | Check the official notification | Check the official notification |
Educational Qualification
- Check the official notification for the educational qualification required for the Indian Forest Service. Candidates must have cleared the preliminary examination to appear for the Main.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Not stated | Not stated in the timetable reviewed. Check the notification. |
How to Apply
- 1The Main examination is for candidates shortlisted after the preliminary result. Do not pay anyone who offers a form or a seat.
- 2Watch upsc.gov.in for the Main admit card. Use only the official UPSC site.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UPSC timetable gives 22 to 29 November 2026. Each day has a forenoon and an afternoon session. The first day has General English and General Knowledge.
On 22 November: General English (morning) and General Knowledge (afternoon). 23 November: Mathematics or Zoology Paper I and II. 25 to 26 November: engineering, agriculture engineering, animal husbandry, botany and chemistry papers. 27 November: Agriculture and Forestry. 28 November: Physics. 29 November: Geology and Statistics. Choose the papers that match your optional subject.
The notification number 06/2026-IFoSE is reported to list 80 posts, with 33 UR, 21 OBC, 12 SC, 8 EWS and 6 ST. The count may change. Confirm it on the UPSC notification.
UPSC reportedly shortlisted 1,046 candidates for the IFS Main in June 2026. This is from press reports of UPSC's announcement, not the UPSC notice itself. Verify on upsc.gov.in.