Table of ContentsClick to view all sections
- UPSC IFoS Mains 2026: Exam at a Glance
- What is the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Day-Wise Time Table?
- What is the Exam Pattern for UPSC IFoS Mains 2026?
- Where are the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Exam Centres?
- UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 e-Admit Card and Exam-Day Rules
- What Comes After the IFoS Mains 2026?
- UPSC IFoS (Prelims) Result 2026: Screening Update
- Recruitment Details for Context
- How to Prepare Around the Timetable
- Final Takeaway
- Essential Links for UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Time Table
UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Exam Date Out: Time Table for 22 to 29 November
UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 is scheduled from 22 to 29 November 2026. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has set two sessions on paper days, with no examination on 24 November, a gazetted holiday. Candidates who qualified through the Civil Services Preliminary Examination screening should check the timetable against their optional subjects and follow the Commission’s instructions for the Main Examination application, e-Admit Card and examination day.
This guide brings the announced dates and sessions together with the written examination pattern, listed centres, recruitment-cycle information and practical reminders. The timetable does not mean that every candidate writes a paper on every date: candidates attend the common papers and the papers for their chosen optional subjects. For final instructions, use the notice and candidate services published by UPSC rather than relying only on a summary or a forwarded timetable.
UPSC IFoS Mains 2026: Exam at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Examination | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mains dates | 22 to 29 November 2026 |
| Forenoon session | 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Afternoon session | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
| Non-examination day | 24 November 2026; gazetted holiday |
| Qualified candidates | 1,046, according to the published screening-result update |
Both sessions are three hours long. The date range covers the examination period, but the papers a candidate must attend depend on the common-paper schedule and the optional subjects selected. Read the full table below, note every applicable paper, and then verify your personal venue and reporting details on your own e-Admit Card when it is available.
What is the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Day-Wise Time Table?
General English and General Knowledge are common papers. Optional papers are listed by subject, with Paper I in the forenoon and Paper II in the afternoon on the scheduled subject day. Candidates should check both sessions for each of their two optional subjects. No paper is scheduled on 24 November.
| Date and day | Forenoon, 9:00 AM–12:00 Noon | Afternoon, 2:30 PM–5:30 PM |
|---|---|---|
| 22 November, Sunday | General English | General Knowledge |
| 23 November, Monday | Mathematics Paper I / Zoology Paper I | Mathematics Paper II / Zoology Paper II |
| 24 November, Tuesday | No paper (gazetted holiday) | No paper (gazetted holiday) |
| 25 November, 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 November, 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 November, Friday | Agriculture Paper I / Forestry Paper I | Agriculture Paper II / Forestry Paper II |
| 28 November, Saturday | Physics Paper I | Physics Paper II |
| 29 November, Sunday | Geology Paper I / Statistics Paper I | Geology Paper II / Statistics Paper II |
The slashes in the table separate the optional subjects scheduled in the same session; they are not a list of papers that one candidate must all write at once. Compare the subject names with your own optional-subject choices and mark the relevant date and session. For example, candidates with an optional subject whose papers are listed on 26 November should check the morning entry for Paper I and the afternoon entry for Paper II. The same paper-wise check applies to every optional subject in the timetable.
Keep the holiday in view when arranging study plans and travel. The schedule shows no examination on 24 November, but candidates should not assume this changes the dates of their own papers. The dates for the common papers and each optional subject are set out separately in the table.
What is the Exam Pattern for UPSC IFoS Mains 2026?
The written examination consists of six conventional, or descriptive, papers. Each paper lasts three hours. Papers are set in English, and candidates must answer in English. Two papers are common to all candidates: General English and General Knowledge. The remaining four papers comprise two papers in each of the two optional subjects selected by the candidate.
| Paper | Subject or component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | General English | 300 |
| II | General Knowledge | 300 |
| III and IV | Optional subject 1, two papers | 400 (200 each) |
| V and VI | Optional subject 2, two papers | 400 (200 each) |
| Written examination total | Six papers | 1,400 |
| Interview/Personality Test | For candidates called by UPSC | 300 |
The marks table is useful for understanding the components of the selection process: the written examination carries 1,400 marks, and the Interview/Personality Test carries 300 marks for candidates called to that stage. UPSC may set qualifying marks in any or all written papers. A candidate should therefore prepare for all six papers rather than treating one paper as unimportant because of its marks or its position in the timetable.
Legibility and anonymity matter in a descriptive examination. UPSC’s instructions warn that illegible handwriting can attract a deduction. Candidates must not include marks, signs or other material that could reveal their identity; such content may lead to a deduction or the answer script not being evaluated. Practise writing readable answers and follow the specific instructions printed on the e-Admit Card and issued for the examination.
Where are the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Exam Centres?
The listed Main Examination centres are Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair and Shimla. The centre printed on an individual candidate’s e-Admit Card is the venue to follow. The general list does not tell a candidate which centre has been allotted.
UPSC may change centres or dates. The examination instructions state that a request to change the allotted centre will not be entertained. Before making travel arrangements, check the centre and any venue information on your own e-Admit Card. Do not rely on the centre another candidate has received, an older document or an unofficial message. If an official notice updates the schedule or instructions, follow that notice.
UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 e-Admit Card and Exam-Day Rules
A separate release date for the Mains e-Admit Card has not been announced in the information available here. UPSC’s general instruction is that e-Admit Cards are issued through its online portal on the last working day of the week before the examination. They are not sent by post or email. Check the official UPSC website and online portal regularly for the specific release notice, updates and any changes to the examination instructions.
Once the card is available, read it carefully and check the candidate details, allotted centre, session and reporting information shown there. Plan to reach the examination venue at least 30 minutes before each session. Late entry is not allowed, and face authentication is required. Allow time for the journey and venue-entry process, but use the e-Admit Card and official directions for the exact arrangements relevant to you.
- Complete the post-result submission: Qualified candidates must use the login window announced by UPSC and submit the required Main Examination application. The result update states that a candidate who fails to do so cannot participate in further stages. Check the applicable notice for the submission process and deadline.
- Carry the correct e-Admit Card: Confirm your allotted centre and reporting details before travelling. Entry is not permitted at a venue different from the one printed on the card.
- Arrive in good time: Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before each session. Late entry is not allowed. Face authentication is required, so follow the directions given by examination officials.
- Do not bring prohibited devices: Mobile phones, smart watches, cameras, pen drives and Bluetooth devices are prohibited, even if switched off. The venue does not provide storage for these items. Make arrangements before setting out so you are not relying on the examination venue to hold them.
- Use only an allowed calculator: A scientific non-programmable calculator is permitted for these conventional papers. Programmable calculators are not allowed, and candidates must not share or exchange calculators.
- Check the scribe rules if applicable: Candidates are generally required to write their own answers. A scribe is available only to eligible candidates with benchmark disabilities under the applicable notice. Consult the relevant official instructions rather than assuming that a scribe is available automatically.
- Protect the anonymity of your answer script: Follow the instructions about identifying information and do not add personal identifiers, signs or marks that may compromise anonymity.
UPSC states that impersonation, unfair means or a breach of e-Admit Card instructions can result in disqualification and other disciplinary action, including debarment from future examinations. Read the instructions before examination day, not only after arriving at the centre. If any part of the card or notice is unclear, refer to official UPSC guidance rather than relying on informal advice.
What Comes After the IFoS Mains 2026?
Candidates who meet the qualifying standard set by UPSC in the written examination may be called for the 300-mark Interview/Personality Test. The supplied examination information states that there is no separate minimum qualifying mark for the interview. Final ranking is based on written and interview marks together, and candidates must also satisfy the prescribed physical and medical standards.
A written-examination result does not by itself mean that every candidate proceeds to interview. Candidates should follow the Commission’s result and interview notices for the applicable qualification requirements and next steps. Those called for interview should watch for directions about submitting proof of the qualifying degree and updating their details. The published information provides a 15-day period for this submission after interview qualification; check the Commission’s notice for the exact process and deadline that applies to you.
For candidates planning ahead, the stages described here make it important to keep records and official notices accessible throughout the process. The written papers, interview and applicable physical and medical standards are distinct parts of the selection process. Confirm your own status and instructions against the relevant UPSC notice at each stage.
UPSC IFoS (Prelims) Result 2026: Screening Update
The Indian Forest Service Main Examination follows preliminary screening through the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The published screening-result update reports that 1,046 candidates qualified for the Main Examination. The result date listed for this cycle is 15 June 2026. Candidates should use the official result information to verify their own status and follow any post-result instructions, including the required Main Examination application submission.
Qualification at the screening stage is not a substitute for completing the next required formalities. The notice requires qualified candidates to use the login window announced by UPSC and submit the required Main Examination application. A failure to do so prevents participation in further stages, according to the update. Check the exact instructions and deadlines in the official notice rather than relying on this summary for individual application status.
Recruitment Details for Context
The application period for the 2026 examination has closed. The following details summarise the recruitment cycle candidates entered; they are included for reference and are not an invitation to apply. The Mains timetable applies to candidates who qualified through the preliminary screening.
| Event | Date or detail |
|---|---|
| Notification and applications opened | 4 February 2026 |
| Application deadline | 27 February 2026, 6:00 PM (extended deadline) |
| Civil Services Preliminary Examination | 24 May 2026 |
| IFoS preliminary screening result | 15 June 2026 |
| IFoS Main Examination | 22–29 November 2026; no paper on 24 November |
| Vacancies notified | 80, liable to change |
UPSC IFoS Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The notification lists 80 vacancies, with the category distribution below. The total is subject to change, so candidates should consult the official notification for the applicable recruitment details.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 33 |
| OBC | 21 |
| SC | 12 |
| ST | 6 |
| EWS | 8 |
| Total | 80 |
Eligibility Criteria and Fee Summary
The 2026 notification summary gives the following education and age requirements. These details are provided as background for candidates reviewing the cycle; eligibility questions, relaxations and documentary requirements must be checked against the official notification.
| Requirement | 2026 notification summary |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor’s degree with at least one prescribed subject, or a degree in Agriculture, Forestry or Engineering. Prescribed subjects include Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology. |
| Age | 21 to 32 years, calculated as of 1 August 2026. Relaxations apply to eligible categories under the notification. |
| Initial application fee | ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates; female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates were exempt. |
| Mains application fee | The result update specified ₹200 for candidates required to pay the Mains fee; female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates were exempt. Follow the official DAF instructions for your case. |
The summary does not specify an attempt limit or reproduce every condition in the notification. For the number of attempts, category relaxations, degree requirements, proof and any other eligibility question, consult the official 2026 notification. The application window is closed, and the information above should not be read as an opportunity to submit a new application.
How to Prepare Around the Timetable
With the date range and sessions laid out, candidates can turn the schedule into a personal checklist. First, mark the two common papers on 22 November. Then identify the exact dates for both papers of each optional subject. Do not assume that every optional-subject paper falls on a different day: the timetable places several subjects in the same session, and candidates should use the entry for their own subjects.
- Build a paper-by-paper calendar: Record each paper that applies to you, including whether it is in the forenoon or afternoon. Keep a separate note of the session start and end times.
- Keep the non-examination date visible: The timetable lists no paper on 24 November. Avoid treating that date as an examination day when planning your personal schedule.
- Practise within the stated duration: Each descriptive paper lasts three hours. Practising complete answers within that time can help you manage the paper and maintain legible handwriting.
- Use English in your answers: The papers are set in English and candidates must answer in English. Keep this requirement in mind during practice as well as in the examination.
- Prepare for all components: The written examination has six papers, including two common papers and four optional papers. UPSC may set qualifying marks in any or all papers, so plan revision across the complete written examination.
- Check official instructions close to the exam: Dates, centres and operational directions should be verified through UPSC announcements and your e-Admit Card. A saved copy of a general timetable does not confirm your personal venue.
- Plan exam-day logistics without prohibited items: Review the device restrictions and calculator rules before travelling. The venue does not provide storage for prohibited devices.
These are planning suggestions based on the published timetable and examination instructions, not additional UPSC rules. Your personal e-Admit Card and applicable official notices take precedence if they provide specific directions for your session or centre.
Final Takeaway
The UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 examination is scheduled from 22 to 29 November, with papers in two sessions and no examination on 24 November. Candidates should check both optional-subject papers, complete the required post-result formalities, and use official UPSC channels for the final timetable, e-Admit Card and examination-day instructions. The recruitment application window has already closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 examination be held?
The examination is scheduled from 22 to 29 November 2026. There is no paper on 24 November, which is listed as a gazetted holiday.
What are the Mains examination session timings?
The forenoon session is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The afternoon session is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Each paper is three hours long.
Do all candidates write papers on every scheduled date?
No. General English and General Knowledge are common papers. Candidates attend the dates assigned to their optional subjects, as shown in the day-wise timetable. Check both papers for each selected subject.
How many papers are there in the IFoS Mains written examination?
There are six descriptive papers: General English, General Knowledge and four papers across two optional subjects. The written examination is worth 1,400 marks.
Where will the IFoS Mains be conducted?
The listed centres are Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Dispur (Guwahati), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Port Blair and Shimla. Your allotted venue will be shown on your e-Admit Card.
When will the Mains e-Admit Card be available?
A separate release date has not been announced in the information available here. Check UPSC notices and the online portal. The Commission’s general instruction refers to release on the last working day of the week before the examination.
Can a candidate request a change of examination centre?
The examination instructions say that requests to change the allotted centre will not be entertained. Attend only the venue printed on your e-Admit Card.
What is the next stage after the written examination?
Candidates who meet the written qualifying standard may be called for the 300-mark Interview/Personality Test. Final ranking combines written and interview marks, subject to the prescribed physical and medical standards.
Are applications for UPSC IFoS 2026 still open?
No. The application deadline was extended to 27 February 2026, up to 6:00 PM. Candidates who qualified should follow UPSC’s instructions for the Main Examination and later stages.
Essential Links for UPSC IFoS Mains 2026 Time Table
| Resource | Official link |
|---|---|
| UPSC website: examination notices and updates | Visit UPSC |
| UPSC Online portal: candidate services and e-Admit Card updates | Open UPSC Online |
Use these official portals to check examination notices and candidate-service updates. In particular, verify the e-Admit Card, any changed instructions and the deadlines relevant to your own stage of the selection process.
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