UPSC IFS Mains Exam Date 2026 Out - Check Exam Schedule at upsc.gov.in
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official timetable for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026. The exam will be held from 22 to 29 November 2026 across multiple sessions, with a gazetted holiday on 24 November 2026. This article covers the complete IFS Mains 2026 date sheet, exam pattern, vacancy details, eligibility, and admit card information, based on the official UPSC notice and other verified UPSC updates.
UPSC IFS Mains Exam Date 2026 - Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary Exam (common with Civil Services Prelims) → IFS Main Exam → Interview/Personality Test |
| IFS Mains Exam Dates | 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 November 2026 |
| Exam Sessions | Forenoon: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon; Afternoon: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM |
| Total Vacancies (IFS) | Approximately 80 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC IFS Mains Exam Date 2026: Important Dates
Here are the key dates in the Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 cycle, based on official UPSC notices and updates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 Released | 4 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 4 February 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 24 February 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 | 24 May 2026 |
| IFS Mains Application (Detailed Application Form) Window | 13 July 2026 to 22 July 2026 |
| IFS (Main) Examination 2026 | 22 to 29 November 2026 |
UPSC IFS (Main) Examination 2026: Full Timetable
The table below reproduces the official date-wise schedule released by UPSC for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026.
| Date & Day | Forenoon Session (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| 22-11-2026 (Sunday) | General English | General Knowledge |
| 23-11-2026 (Monday) | Mathematics Paper-I / Zoology Paper-I | Mathematics Paper-II / Zoology Paper-II |
| 24-11-2026 (Tuesday) | No Paper (Gazetted Holiday) | No Paper (Gazetted Holiday) |
| 25-11-2026 (Wednesday) | Civil Engineering Paper-I / Chemical Engineering Paper-I / Mechanical Engineering Paper-I | Civil Engineering Paper-II / Chemical Engineering Paper-II / Mechanical Engineering Paper-II |
| 26-11-2026 (Thursday) | Agricultural Engineering Paper-I / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper-I / Botany Paper-I / Chemistry Paper-I | Agricultural Engineering Paper-II / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper-II / Botany Paper-II / Chemistry Paper-II |
| 27-11-2026 (Friday) | Agriculture Paper-I / Forestry Paper-I | Agriculture Paper-II / Forestry Paper-II |
| 28-11-2026 (Saturday) | Physics Paper-I | Physics Paper-II |
| 29-11-2026 (Sunday) | Geology Paper-I / Statistics Paper-I | Geology Paper-II / Statistics Paper-II |
Documents Required for the IFS Mains 2026 Exam
Candidates must carry the following to the examination centre for every session:
- Printed copy of the UPSC IFS Mains e-Admit Card 2026
- A valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence) matching the name on the admit card
- Recent passport-size photographs, as specified on the admit card
- Any other document specifically listed on the individual admit card (for example, a disability certificate, where applicable)
How to Download the UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2026
As of this update, UPSC has not yet announced the release date for the IFS Mains Admit Card 2026. Once released, it is expected to follow the Commission’s standard process:
- Visit the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.
- Look for the link titled “e-Admit Card: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026” under the “What’s New” or “Examinations” section.
- You will be redirected to the UPSC e-Admit Card portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Log in using your Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth as prompted.
- Verify all details on the admit card, including name, roll number, exam centre, and photograph.
- Download and print at least two to three copies for the examination.
Important Instructions for IFS Mains Exam Day
The following points reflect UPSC’s general, standard exam-day conduct rules for its written examinations. Candidates should always cross-check specific instructions on their own admit card, as those take precedence.
- Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time; entry is typically closed a set number of minutes before each session begins.
- Carry the printed admit card and original photo ID to every session - without these, entry is not permitted.
- All Main Examination papers must be answered in English only.
- Each paper is of three hours’ duration.
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones are generally not allowed inside the examination hall.
- Follow all seating, conduct, and material-carrying instructions issued by the invigilator and printed on the admit card.
UPSC Civil Services IFS Mains Exam Date 2026 - Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the UPSC IFS Mains Exam 2026?
The Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2026 will be held on 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 November 2026, with no exam on 24 November due to a gazetted holiday.
How many papers are there in the IFS Mains 2026 exam?
There are six papers in total: General English (300 marks), General Knowledge (300 marks), and four papers across two optional subjects (200 marks each), taking the written total to 1400 marks.
Is the UPSC IFS Mains exam the same as the Civil Services (Main) Exam?
No. Both share a common Preliminary Examination, but the IFS Main Examination has different papers, optional subjects, and a separate schedule from the Civil Services (Main) Examination for IAS, IPS and allied services, which was held from 21 to 30 August 2026.
What is the total marks for UPSC IFS selection?
The final selection is based on 1400 marks from the Main written examination plus 300 marks for the Personality Test (Interview), taking the grand total to 1700 marks.