Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam is the Forestry service of India conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). On successful completion of the Prelims, Main and Interview candidates are eligible to serve under the State or Central governments. Candidates who have qualified in the Prelims will be eligible to sit in the IFS Main exam, to be held in 22 November, 2014 (10 days).
Eligibility
- A Bachelor’s degree with at least one of the subjects namely, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Forestry or Engineering of a recognized university or equivalent.
- Candidates who are in their final year of degree can also compete for the exam. However, on the successful completion of the written exam, candidates need to submit their proof of passing the exam.
Age Limit: 21 to 30 years
Scheme of UPSC IFS Examination
Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
Main Examination (Written Test and Interview)
IFS Main Exam Pattern
The IFS Main exam consists of six papers which are descriptive in nature. Candidates need to answer the questions in English only. Question paper too will be set only in English language. The grand total marks for the IFS Written Exam is 1400 marks. General English and General Knowledge papers will carry 300 marks each and Optional papers will carry 200 marks each. An extra 30 minutes will be given to blind candidates.
| Paper I – General EnglishPaper II – General KnowledgePaper III – Paper IPaper IV – Paper II |
Paper V – Paper I
Paper VI – Paper II
Paper (III – VI) are Optional Papers300 Marks300 Marks200 Marks200 Marks
200 Marks
200 Marks
Total Marks: 1,700
Candidates can only select two Optional Papers from the List of Optional Papers given below.
List of Optional Papers
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Animal Husbandary & Veterinary Science
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Forestry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Statistics
- Zoology
However, candidates will not be allowed to opt for the following combination:
I. Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering
II. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
III. Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
IV. Mathematics and Statistics
V. Of the Engineering subjects viz. Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering – not more than one subject
General English & General Knowledge
The General English and General Knowledge papers are designed for a Science or Engineering graduate of an Indian University. The English paper would consists of an essay and passages to write summary. Other questions, generally tests general understanding of English and everyday use of words.
Optional Papers
The questions in the Optional Papers are of Bachelor’s Degree level with Honors. There will be no examination in any of the subjects.
Each of the Optional Papers consist of 8 questions carrying equal marks. Each paper will be divided into two parts – Part A and Part B, each containing four questions. Candidates need to attempt 5 out of 8 questions. One question in each part will be compulsory. Candidates need to answer 3 out of the 6 remaining questions, attempting at least one question from each part. Thus, candidates will attempt two questions from each part and plus one more.
Personality Test
On successful completion of the written exam, a candidate will be interviewed by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The record of a candidate’s career will be present before the interviewers.
The interview will test a candidate’s personality and suitability for the service. The candidate better have general interest and keep an eye on current developments of the society and the world. Basically, a candidate should be aware of cultural, political and social surroundings. He/she should also know what is happening in his state and national level.
The interview may not be like Question Answer pattern. Rather it may be more of intelligent and meaningful conversation, to gauge the personality of the candidate. The Board is likely to pay special attention to – intellectual curiosity, balance of judgment and alertness of mind, critical powers of observation and assimilation, tact, initiative, capacity for leadership; the ability for social cohesion, powers of practical application and mental and physical energy; integrity of character; and other qualities such as love for out-door life, topographical sense and the desire to explore unknown and out of way places.
Indian Foreign Services Tips for Preparation
Preparing for the IFS exam is not going to be a cakewalk. Candidates need to pay special attention while getting ready for a critical exam like IFS Main.
- Plan your study properly to focus on weak areas
- Refer the best books – use useful books which can help you prepare for the exam in less time
- Study previous question papers to get better idea about the exam pattern
- Managing your time is super important. Keep a track on your time while solving previous question papers to check your speed
- Discussion with people who are appearing for the IFS exam
- If your speed is not good, work on it by setting a fix time to answer a question or solve a question paper
- Get your doubts clarified by experts
- Stay positive, relax and stay motivated
If you are preparing for Indian Forest Service Main exam, you can post your learning requirement here or call us at 0 93414 93414.
All The Very Best!
