Study Future

Indian Foreign Service(IFS)

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is one of the important All India Services of the Government of India; other two services being the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Eligibility and Selection

Entry into the Indian Forest Service is open to candidates between the ages of 21 and 30 years, as on 1st July of the year of the examination, with a Bachelor's degree in Science with at least one of the following Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Statistics, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry; or Bachelor's degree in Engineering (any stream) / Forestry/ Agriculture; or MBBS.

Notification of the Indian Forest Service Examination is generally expected in February. The written examination is conducted in July. The written examination is of the conventional (essay) type. Each paper is of three hours' duration. Applicants appear for tests on: Two compulsory subjects (300 marks each) (i) General English and (ii) General Knowledge. Two optional subjects from a list of 14 subjects including four branches of engineering – Mechanical, Chemical, Civil and Agricultural. Each optional subject has two papers, each paper worth 200 marks. The following combinations of optional subjects are NOT allowed: Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Agricultural Engineering and Agriculture, and Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. Candidates who qualify the written examination appear for an Interview of 300 marks. All papers are set only in English and they must be answered in English.

Standards and syllabus

General English consists of essay writing, precise/summary writing and questions to assess your comprehension and verbal ability in English. General Knowledge paper covers questions relating to the Indian political system, the Constitution of India, history of India, geography (India and world), general science and current events (national and international). Higher secondary level of knowledge is a good base. As for the optional subjects, the level of testing is at least of the Honours degree level. A good bibliography for the subjects provides the base material for study.

Examination

The Indian Forest Service Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It provides the opportunity for direct entry into employment. The candidates are trained by the government to play a vibrant role at the grassroots level as also in policy formulation. Within the specified age slot (upper age limits are relaxed for SC/ST/ OBC and other categories), a general candidate may get up to four attempts. An OBC candidate is allowed a maximum of seven attempts and there are no limitations on number of attempts for SC/ST candidates.

Interview

Expected questions could revolve around subjects of academics; current affairs; basic knowledge of forest-related issues / policies and status of their implementation; knowledge of one's state of domicile with respect to geographical features, forest cover, wildlife, economic status, cultural outlook. The interview board wishes to see evidence of leadership qualities, tact, diplomacy, initiative, alertness, observation, mental and physical energy and enthusiasm, love for the outdoors, a sense of adventure, curiosity in surroundings and balance of judgement.