INDIAN FOREST SERVICE

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Exam through which the candidates for Indian Forest Services are selected to write the IFoS main exam. However, the main exams for Civil Services and Forest Services are different.Indian Forest Service is best suited for the passionate willing candidate who wish to have a career in forest and environmental management.

IFoS – Indian Forest Services

IFoS, Indian Forest Services is the most sought-after post after IAS and IPS.

The UPSC Indian Forest Service-IFoS exam pattern is developed to recognize and choose candidates having the appropriate and most optimal skills, and knowledge for recruitment of IFoS posts. Typically, these candidates are assessed based on an array of topics such as forestry, environmental science and general studies.

IFoS Selection Procedure

The selection process of IFoS includes various phases; this covers:

  1. Preliminary
  2. Main Examination
  3. Personality Test
  4. Document verification
  5. Medical Examination
  • Candidates have to note that they have to clear the Civil Services (Preliminary) examination. Then, get qualified for the IFoS main examination separately.
  • Candidates upon successfully completing the preliminary exam and fulfilling the eligibility needs will be shortlisted for the main examination.
  • After the final selection through the interview and subsequent verification of documents and medical records, candidates will be chosen.
  • After qualifying for all the above three stages, candidates will be under training for 2 years at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFoS Posts

Age Limit: 

The candidates should not be less than 21 years old and not older than 32 years.  Age relaxations applicable for candidates including reserved categories are applicable to certain categories. Checking the official UPSC website will give you the exact age eligibility.

Educational Qualification

  • Candidates are expected to possess a Bachelors degree with any of the majors in Botany, Chemistry, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Geology, Mathematics, Zoology, Physics, Statistics

Or

  • A Bachelors degree in Agriculture or Forestry/Engineering from a recognized university

Or

  • Any equivalent degree

Number of Attempts Allowed

Category

 

 Number of Attempts

 
General 9
OBC 9
SC/ST No Restriction
Physically Handicapped General and OBC -9

SC/ST – Unlimited

 

IFoS – Roles and Responsibilities

  • Committed to implementing policies that ensure ecological balance and environmental stability
  • One of the main roles of IFoS officers is to save and conserve the forest heritage and contribute towards protecting the resources of forest
  • Make efforts to plant more trees in the forest and should have to undertake and participate in those kinds of events.
  • Make sure of the preservation of unique species of animals and plants and ensure they grow, and stay in their natural living place
  • Perform forest surveys regularly and monitor the work taken to maintain the forest environment
  • Deploy diverse activities that reduce or remove the chances of soil erosion by water and waste management across the populated forest areas
  • Allocate the work to subordinates and administer their tasks
  • Gather forest revenue and spend on executed forest works
  • Responsible for including informative signboards and warnings at relevant locations
  • Ultimately, IFoS officers have control over 21% of the forest and are dedicated to saving the forests, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves, and more against eco-terrorists, poachers, etc.

Indian Forest Service Salary Structure

Designation 

(State Government)

 Designation 

(Central Government)

 Grade Basic Monthly pay
Assistant Conservator of Forests

Or

 Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests

 Assistant Inspector General of Forests Junior  INR 56,100
Deputy Conservator of Forests Assistant Inspector General of Forests Senior  INR 67,700
Deputy Conservator of Forests Assistant Inspector General of Forests Junior Administrative INR 78,800
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Selection Grade) Assistant Inspector General of Forests Selection Grade INR 1,18,500
Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden Deputy Inspector General of Forests Super Time Scale INR 1,50,000
Chief Conservator of Forests Inspector General of Forests Senior Administrative INR 1,75,000
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests – HAG  INR 2,00,000
Principal Conservator of Forests Additional Director General of Forests HAG+ Scale INR 2,05,400
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Forest Force – Head) Director-General of Forests APEX INR 2,25,000

 

Perks and allowances

Besides receiving an attractive steady income, IFoS officers also get exclusive access to many privileges and benefits from the government.

House Rent Allowance – The eligible officers can cover their accommodation expenses under this allowance

Transport Allowance – Meets the costs related to transportation

Dearness Allowance – Allowances that cover the changing cost of living.

Medical Allowance – Covers medical expenses for the officers and their families

Leave Travel Concession – Entitled to LTC that covers the expenses of travelling to their hometown or desired places with their family for certain periods.

Post-retirement Benefits – Provided with regular pensions monthly and on time

Study leaves – If the officers intend to pursue higher studies, they are allowed to take leaves as required.

UPSC IFoS Career Growth and Promotion

After the probation period, candidates can get an increased salary. This covers incentives, bonuses, and other perks. The candidates can also groom their skills and become eligible for promotion.