The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the exam date for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Main Examination 2026 (Advt. No. 05/2026). The written Mains exam will be held from 22 to 29 November 2026 in two sessions each day. Candidates who qualified the Prelims and filled the IFS Mains form should check the official timetable and wait for the e-Admit Card on the UPSC website.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Exam | 24 May 2026 |
| Prelims Result | 15 June 2026 |
| IFS Mains Form Start Date | 13 July 2026 |
| IFS Mains Form Last Date | 22 July 2026 |
| IFS Mains Exam Date | 22 to 29 November 2026 |
| IFS Mains e-Admit Card | To be released before the exam |
IFS Mains Time Table 2026
UPSC will conduct the IFS Mains in two sessions of 3 hours each. The forenoon session is from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The afternoon session is from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
| Date | Forenoon (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon) | Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 November 2026 (Sunday) | General English | General Knowledge |
| 23 November 2026 (Monday) | Mathematics Paper-I / Zoology Paper-I | Mathematics Paper-II / Zoology Paper-II |
| 24 November 2026 (Tuesday) | No exam | Gazetted holiday |
| 25 November 2026 (Wednesday) | Civil Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering | Civil Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering |
| 26 November 2026 (Thursday) | Agricultural Engineering / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science / Botany / Chemistry | Agricultural Engineering / Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science / Botany / Chemistry |
| 27 November 2026 (Friday) | Agriculture Paper-I / Forestry Paper-I | Agriculture Paper-II / Forestry Paper-II |
| 28 November 2026 (Saturday) | Physics Paper-I | Physics Paper-II |
| 29 November 2026 (Sunday) | Geology Paper-I / Statistics Paper-I | Geology Paper-II / Statistics Paper-II |
How to Check the IFS Mains Exam Date Notice
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/.
- Open the What’s New or Examinations section.
- Click the notice for Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026.
- Download the time table and read the dates, sessions, and instructions.
- Save a copy for your records.
How to Download the IFS Mains Admit Card
UPSC will issue the e-Admit Card a few days before the exam. Download it only from the official portal.
- Go to https://upsc.gov.in/ or https://upsconline.nic.in/.
- Open the e-Admit Card link for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026.
- Enter your Registration ID / Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Submit the details and check your name, photo, roll number, exam date, timing, and venue.
- Download the e-Admit Card and take a clear printout.
Exam Pattern (Brief)
The IFS Mains is a descriptive written exam. It is followed by an Interview for candidates who clear the written stage.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English (Compulsory) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Knowledge (Compulsory) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper III & IV | Optional Subject 1 (two papers) | 200 each | 3 hours each |
| Paper V & VI | Optional Subject 2 (two papers) | 200 each | 3 hours each |
The written exam carries 1400 marks. Selection after Mains is through the Interview.
Exam Day Guidelines
Read every instruction printed on your e-Admit Card and follow them on exam day.
- Carry a clear printout of your e-Admit Card.
- Carry the photo identity proof and other items listed on the admit card.
- Reach the centre as per the reporting time given on the card.
- Check your paper, session, and seat number before you enter the hall.
What Happens After the Exam
UPSC will evaluate the written papers and then call qualified candidates for the Interview / Personality Test. The Commission will publish further notices, the interview schedule, and the final result on https://upsc.gov.in/.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| IFS Mains Exam Date Notice | Click Here |
| Download e-Admit Card | Click Here |
| IFS Mains Form Notice | Click Here |
| IFS Prelims Result | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit Offical Website |
Keep checking the official UPSC website, download your e-Admit Card as soon as it is live, and reach the centre on time with a printed copy.
