Eligibility Criteria for UPSC IFOS Exam 2024
The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is a prestigious All India Service under the Government of India. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination annually to recruit officers for the Indian Forest Service. The examination is conducted in two stages:
- Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
- Civil Services (Main) Examination
The candidates who qualify in the Civil Services (Main) Examination are called for an Interview (Personality Test). The final merit list is prepared based on the candidates’ performance in the Main Examination and the Interview.
Nationality
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit
- The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st of August of the year of the examination.
- Upper Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC candidates: 3 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates: 10 years
- Ex-servicemen:
- For the period of their service in the Armed Forces plus three years.
- However, the upper age limit shall not exceed 40 years.
- Other categories:
- Candidates belonging to certain other categories, such as those who have served in the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, the Indian Defence Accounts Service, or the Indian Ordnance Factories Service, are also eligible for age relaxation.
Educational Qualification
- The candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Note:
- Candidates who are appearing for their final year of Bachelor’s degree examination are also eligible to apply. However, they must have passed the examination before the date of the interview.
- Candidates who have passed the Bachelor’s degree examination from a foreign university must have their degree recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Number of Attempts
- General Category: 6 attempts
- OBC Category: 9 attempts
- SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts
Note:
* The number of attempts is counted from the year in which the candidate first appeared in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.
* The number of attempts is not counted for the candidates who have appeared in the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination but have not qualified for the Civil Services (Main) Examination.
Physical Standards
- The candidate must be physically fit and must meet the physical standards prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Physical Standards for Men:
- Height: 165 cm
- Chest: 81 cm (unexpanded) and 86 cm (expanded)
- Weight: Proportional to height
- Physical Standards for Women:
- Height: 150 cm
- Chest: Not applicable
- Weight: Proportional to height
Note:
* Candidates with disabilities are also eligible for the IFS examination. However, they must meet the physical standards prescribed for their category.
* The physical standards are subject to change from time to time.
Table 1: Age Relaxation for Different Categories
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 10 years |
| Ex-servicemen | Period of service + 3 years (maximum 40 years) |
Table 2: Number of Attempts Allowed for Different Categories
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
Medical Examination
- The candidates who qualify in the Civil Services (Main) Examination and the Interview are required to undergo a medical examination by a Medical Board constituted by the MoEFCC.
- The medical examination is conducted to ensure that the candidate is physically and mentally fit for the Indian Forest Service.
- The candidate must be free from any physical or mental disability that may interfere with the performance of their duties as an IFS officer.
Training
- The candidates who are finally selected for the Indian Forest Service are required to undergo a two-year training program at the Indian Forest Service Academy (IFSA), Dehradun.
- The training program includes theoretical and practical training in forestry, wildlife management, environmental science, and other related subjects.
Conclusion
The eligibility criteria for the UPSC IFOS Exam 2024 are stringent and ensure that only the most qualified and deserving candidates are selected for the Indian Forest Service. The examination is a challenging one, but it is also a rewarding one. A career in the Indian Forest Service is a challenging and rewarding one, offering the opportunity to serve the nation and protect its natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for the exam?
The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st of August of the year of the examination. Age relaxation is available for various categories.
2. What is the educational qualification required for the exam?
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required. Candidates appearing for their final year of Bachelor’s degree examination are also eligible.
3. How many attempts are allowed for the exam?
The number of attempts varies based on the category: 6 attempts for General Category, 9 attempts for OBC Category, and unlimited attempts for SC/ST Category.
4. What are the physical standards required for the exam?
The candidate must be physically fit and meet the physical standards prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). These standards differ for men and women.
5. Is there any age relaxation for ex-servicemen?
Yes, ex-servicemen are eligible for age relaxation for the period of their service in the Armed Forces plus three years, with a maximum upper age limit of 40 years.
6. What is the process for medical examination?
Candidates qualifying in the Main Examination and Interview undergo a medical examination by a Medical Board constituted by the MoEFCC to ensure physical and mental fitness for the Indian Forest Service.
7. What is the duration of the training program for selected candidates?
Selected candidates undergo a two-year training program at the Indian Forest Service Academy (IFSA), Dehradun.
8. What are the subjects covered in the training program?
The training program includes theoretical and practical training in forestry, wildlife management, environmental science, and other related subjects.
9. Can candidates with disabilities apply for the exam?
Yes, candidates with disabilities are eligible for the exam but must meet the physical standards prescribed for their category.
10. Where can I find the detailed notification for the exam?
The detailed notification for the exam is usually released by the UPSC on its official website.