INDIAN FOREST SERVICE-
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2025
WHAT IS INDIAN FOREST SERVICE?
The Indian Forest Service (IFS), constituted in 1966, is one of the All India Services under the Government of India. It succeeded the Imperial Forest Service established by the British in 1867. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change exercises administrative control over this prestigious service, which is responsible for managing the country’s forest resources and wildlife conservation.
Hari Singh was the First inspector General of Forests. Basically it is an open competitive examinations held by UPSC through which officers are recruited .Then their training is held at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy by the Central government for two years.
These services are placed under State and joint cadre. The main motive behind the service is implementing National Forest policy.
An IFS officer that is independent.He practices administrative.judicial and financial powers in his own domain.
Positions Held By IFS Officer
Divisional Forest Officer
Conservator of Forests
Principle Chief Conservator Of Forests
The highest position for an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer in any state is the Head of Forest Forces. IFS officers are also eligible for State and Central deputations, including prestigious posts such as Deputy Secretary, Director, Joint Secretary, and Additional Secretary. Moreover, appointments for IFS officers extend to international organizations like the United Nations, as well as NGOs and voluntary organizations, reflecting the global scope and significance of this service.
Broadly it falls into 2 categories-
state positions
central positions
For central again there are two-
Central staffing scheme
Non central staffing scheme
Salary structure of IFS Officer
Director General of Forests–rs 2,25,000
Additional Director General of Forests–rs 2,05,400
Inspector General of Forests–rs 1,75,000
Deputy Inspector General of Forests–rs 1,50,000
Assistant Inspector General of Forests(pay level 13)–1,18,500
Assistant Inspector General of Forests(pay level 12)–78,800
Assistant Inspector General of Forests([pay level 11)–67,700
Assistant Inspector General of Forests(pay level 10)–56,100
TRAINING OF IFS OFFICER
Officer Trainees begin their training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, After completing then they are sent to Indira Gandhi Natinal Forest Academy at Dehra dun.
After completing the training they are awarded master’s degree in Forestry Science.
They are also taught more than 56 subjects of life sciences in 2 years. After the training gets complete future forest officers go through a year of on-the-job field training in the state as Assistant Conservators of Forests . With 4 years in junior scale they are promoted to Senior and are posted as Deputy Conservators of Forests or Divisional Forest Officers.
ELIGIBILITY/EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF IFS OFFICER
Person of Indian citizenship and Indian origin.
Candidate ‘s age- minimum 21 years and maximum 30 years.
With upper age limit in SC/ST upto 5 years
OBC upto 3years
From Jammu & Kashmir upto 5years
Defence person upto 5 years
For General candidates 6 attempts could be done whereas no restrictions on SC/ST
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Important Dates
- Date of Notification: 7 February, 2018
- Last Date to Apply: 6 March, 2018
- Date of Exam (Prelims): 3 June, 2018
- IFS Main Exam: 2 December, 2018
Exam pattern
Paper I -General English-300
Paper II- General Knowledge-300
Paper III-Optional subject I-200
PAper IV-Optional subject I-200
PAper V-Optional subject II- 200
PAper VI -Optional subject II- 200
After written test personal interview round of 300 marks.
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