Indian Forest Service Examexam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). IFS is part of the All India Services. The candidates who qualify the IFS exam are trained at Indian Forest College at Dehradun. The notification is usually released in the month of February or March and the examination is conducted in the month of July.
Why to Take IFS Exam?
The qualifiers of the exam should undergo for two years academic training and four years of probationary training. Being the general nature of work is administrating Forest and Wildlife resources, the officers have to serve any of the State and Central Governments. Unlike other Civil Services, IFS officers can be deputed to any department. Director, Inspector General etc, in Academies, Public Sector Units etc. can be filled by IFS Officers as per Indian Forest Service Rules, 1966. They can also be appointed in foreign bodies by the Central Government.
IFS Exam Eligibility
The age eligibility is between 21 to 32 years. Age relaxations are provided for SC/ST and OBC categories. Graduation in any of the science or engineering discipline is the academic eligibility for the exam. The candidates are permitted for six attempts of the examination which is exception for SC/ST category candidate. The candidate is expected to meet the physical standards besides physical and medical fitness.
IFS Exam Structure / Pattern
The exam includes three stages of process - Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Interview. The preliminary examination is of two Objective type papers that carry 400 marks in total. Those who qualify the preliminary are eligible for Main examination. Those who qualify Main examination are eligible for Interview. There is negative marking for wrong answers.
Preliminary exam is common for all services of Civil Services. In the first paper, the candidates are tested in areas like current affairs, Indian History, Indian Geography, Indian Polity, Social Development, general Science etc. In the second paper, the skills like comprehension, communication, logical reasoning, decision making, problem solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy etc are tested.
In Main examination, six papers are to be appeared. Along with General English and General Studies papers, four papers based on two optional subjects are to be attempted.
How to Apply Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam?
Candidates are expected to apply online through the official website. Candidates must be ready with scanned passport size photo, scanned signature and valid email ID before applying online. Female, Differently able and SC/ST candidates are exempted for fee payment. Other Candidates must pay the fee either through valid online payment methods or by depositing cash in the branch of mentioned bank.
How to Prepare IFS Exam?
As the exam is considered as one of the toughest exams, the preparation must be thorough. Following the news updates, analytical studying of the issues of the nation, improving the knowledge of the subjects like National and International Geography, National and International Economy, Environmental Sciences, Art and Culture etc are rather important.
Long term preparation is suggestible. Several publications and online channels provide subject material and guides which are very useful. Time management is one of the major traits to achieve the success. Practice papers and mock tests help in various ways. Online tests are one of the best options to attain time management.