UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Exam Admit Card 2025
Key Dates & Examination Schedule
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| UPSC IFS Mains Exam Start Date | 23 February 2026 |
| UPSC IFS Mains Exam End Date | 01 March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 05 February 2026 |
| D.A.F. (Mains) Submission Period | 05 - 15 December 2025 (Completed) |
| Civil Services (Prelims) Exam Date | 26 May 2025 (Screening Test) |
Vacancy Details & Fee (Paid During DAF)
| CATEGORY | FEES (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (During Mains DAF) | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Female Candidates | Exempted |
Total Vacancies: 150 Posts (Tentative for 2025 batch).
Note: Mains examination fees were paid during the detailed application form (DAF) submission. No fee is required for downloading the Admit Card.
Eligibility for IFS Mains (Qualification Required)
- **Prelims Qualified:** Must have cleared the Civil Services (Prelims) Examination 2025.
- **Educational Degree:** Must possess a **Bachelor's Degree** with at least one of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology, or a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Forestry or Engineering.
- **Age Limit:** Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of 01 August 2025.
Mains Examination Centres
The IFS Mains Exam 2025 will be held only at the following 10 specified centres across India:
- Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair, and Shimla.
IFS Mains Exam Pattern (Subjective/Descriptive)
The examination consists of 6 compulsory papers, each being 3 hours long and carrying 300 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Compulsory) | General English | 300 |
| Paper II (Compulsory) | General Knowledge | 300 |
| Paper III | Optional Subject 1 - Paper I | 300 |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject 1 - Paper II | 300 |
| Paper V | Optional Subject 2 - Paper I | 300 |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject 2 - Paper II | 300 |
| **Total Written Score** | **1800 Marks** |
**Note:** Candidates must choose **two optional subjects** from the specified list (e.g., Agriculture, Chemistry, Forestry, Mathematics, etc.).
Process to Download UPSC IFS Mains E-Admit Card 2025
- Visit UPSC Portal: Go to the official UPSC website and click on the 'Admit Cards' tab.
- Select IFS Mains: Click the link for 'E-Admit Card: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025'.
- Choose Mode: Select the download method: **'By Registration ID'** or **'By Roll Number'**.
- Enter Details: Input your Registration ID or Roll Number, Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY), and the Captcha code shown.
- Print & Verify: Download the PDF. Print multiple copies and verify all details (Name, Photo, Venue, Optional Subjects).
- Affix Photo: If the photo is not clear, affix a recent passport-size photograph on each copy of the e-Admit Card.
Warning! Key Points for Exam Day
1. **Photo ID:** Mandatory to carry the E-Admit Card along with the original **Photo Identity Card** (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.) whose number is mentioned in the application.
2. **Optional Subjects:** Double-check that the optional subjects listed on the Admit Card match the subjects chosen in your DAF.
3. **Black Ballpoint Pen:** Use only a **Black Ballpoint Pen** for writing the answers in the Mains Examination.
Some Important Links:
| Download E-Admit Card Link | Click Here |
| Official Exam Schedule (PDF) | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Mains Detailed Syllabus | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a physical Admit Card sent by post for the IFS Mains?
No, UPSC does not send a physical Admit Card by post. Candidates must **download the E-Admit Card** from the official website and print it out. The printed copy is mandatory for entry to the examination hall.
2. What details are needed to download the Mains Admit Card?
You can download the Admit Card using either your **Registration ID (RID)** from your DAF/Prelims application or your **Roll Number**, along with your Date of Birth.
3. Can I carry a simple calculator into the examination hall?
Simple, non-programmable **scientific calculators** are generally allowed in the Mains examination, but **only for the Optional Subject Papers**. Calculators are strictly prohibited for the General English and General Knowledge papers.
4. What if my photograph on the E-Admit Card is not clear?
If the photograph is blurred or missing, you must bring a recent **passport-size photograph** (identical to the one used in the application) and affix it onto the printout of the E-Admit Card. You must also carry a valid Photo ID.
5. When are the Personality Test (Interview) dates announced?
The dates for the Personality Test (Interview) are announced only after the **declaration of the Mains Examination results**, which typically takes 2-3 months after the Mains papers are concluded.