UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Examination 2025 Schedule Released

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the detailed timetable for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Examination 2025. The Mains exam will be conducted from November 16 to November 23, 2025, in two daily sessions - morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) and afternoon (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM).

The schedule includes compulsory papers such as General English and General Knowledge, followed by optional subject papers like Forestry, Agriculture, and Environmental Science. The PDF of the official schedule is available on the UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. Candidates who cleared the IFS Prelims are eligible to appear.

UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Mains Examination 2025 Out

1. Official Announcement

UPSC has released the IFS Mains 2025 schedule on September 18, 2025. This announcement provides clarity for aspirants on exam dates, sessions, and paper distribution, enabling better preparation planning.

2. Exam Dates & Timings

Exam Period: November 16 - November 23, 2025

Sessions:

• Forenoon: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
• Afternoon: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

3. Exam Structure

• The IFS Mains begins with General English and General Knowledge papers.
• Candidates then appear for two optional subjects, chosen from disciplines such as Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Forestry, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Science.
• Each optional subject consists of Paper I and Paper II, spread across different dates.

4. Eligibility & Candidates

Only aspirants who qualified in the Civil Services Prelims 2025 (IFS cut-off) are eligible to write the Mains. These candidates represent a filtered pool aiming for prestigious Indian Forest Service posts.

5. Preparation Advice

• Download the official timetable PDF from UPSC's portal.
• Track admit card updates (likely to be released in early November 2025).
• Revise optional subjects systematically, aligning with the timetable.
• Focus on writing practice for descriptive answers, as IFS Mains is fully written.

6. Post-Mains Stage

Candidates who qualify the Mains will be shortlisted for the Personality Test/Interview. Final selection will depend on combined performance in the Written Exam + Interview.