The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a coveted opportunity for aspiring individuals to embark on a rewarding career in the field of environmental conservation and forest management. As the nation gears up for the 2024 edition of this prestigious examination, Sarkari Exam it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest news, exam pattern, exam centres, answer key, salary structure, and benefits of serving in this esteemed service.
Latest News from IFoS:
The UPSC has recently released the application form for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam 2024 on its official website. Interested candidates can apply online till March 5th, 2024. Additionally, the commission has announced the results of the IFS Main Examination 2023, which was conducted from November 26th to December 3rd, 2023.
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam 2024: Overview:
- Exam Name: UPSC IFoS 2024 (Indian Forest Service Examination)
- Established: 1966
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Cadre Controlling Authority: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
- Exam Level: National
- Application Mode: Online
- Exam Mode: Offline
- Number of Attempts: 6 (General Category), No Restrictions (SC/ST), 9 (PwD), 9 (OBC/General) or Unlimited (OBC/SC/ST)
- Number of Vacancies: To be notified
- Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Exam Dates 2024:
The UPSC has announced the tentative dates for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Prelims and Main Exams 2024. The IFS Main Exam will be held from November 24th, 2024, for 10 days, while the UPSC IFS Preliminary Exam will take place on May 26th, 2024. The application process is entirely online, and the key dates are as follows:
- Indian Forest Service 2024 Notification: February 14th, 2024
- Application Process Commencement: February 14th, 2024
- Application Process Ends: March 3rd, 2024
- Last Date for Modification: March 12th, 2024
- Admit Card Release: May 2024
- Preliminary Exam Date: May 26th, 2024
- Preliminary Result: June 2024
- Main Exam Date: November 24th, 2024 (10 Days)
- Main Result: December 2024
- Interview: To be notified
- Final Result: To be notified
Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Vacancy:
According to the 2024 official notification, approximately 151 vacancies are available for the Indian Forest Service Exam. However, the government has reserved certain positions for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories. The breakdown of vacancies is as follows:
- Reserved Vacancies: 5
- Low Vision Category: 2
- Partially Deaf Category: 2
- Total Vacancies Available: Approximately 115
Exam Pattern and Centres:
The Indian Forest Service Exam follows a two-tier pattern, consisting of a Preliminary Exam and a Main Exam. The Preliminary Exam is an objective-type test, while the Main Exam comprises subjective-type questions. Additionally, candidates who qualify for the Main Exam will be called for a Personality Test/Interview.
The UPSC assigns exam centres for the IFoS Exam based on vacancy and availability. Candidates will be informed about their exam centre, date, and time through their admit card. The commission reserves the right to change the exam centres if necessary. Some of the major exam centres for the IFoS Exam include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and several other cities across India.
Answer Key and Result:
The UPSC will release the answer key for the IFoS Exam on its official website after the completion of each stage (Prelims and Main). Candidates can review the answer key and calculate their potential scores. The results for both the Preliminary and Main Examinations will also be made available on the UPSC website in the form of a downloadable PDF file.
Salary Structure:
The Indian Forest Service offers a lucrative salary structure and attractive benefits to its officers. The pay scale is divided into various grades, with the salary increasing as officers progress through the ranks. Here’s a breakdown of the salary structure:
- Junior Time Scale (Assistant Conservator of Forests/Asst. Dy. Conservator of Forests): INR 56,100 per month
- Senior Time Scale (Deputy Conservator of Forests): INR 67,700 per month
- Junior Administrative Grade (Deputy Conservator of Forests): INR 78,800 per month
- Selection Grade (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Selection Grade): INR 1,18,500 per month
- Super Time Scale (Conservator of Forests/Chief Wildlife Warden): INR 1,50,000 per month
- Senior Administrative Grade (Chief Conservator of Forests): INR 1,75,000 per month
- HAG Scale (Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests): INR 2,00,000 per month
- HAG+ Scale (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests): INR 2,05,400 per month
- Apex Scale (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Head of Forest Force): INR 2,25,000 per month
Benefits of Serving in the Indian Forest Service:
Serving in the Indian Forest Service offers numerous benefits and perks beyond the lucrative salary structure. IFoS officers enjoy several privileges, including:
- Government-provided accommodation (2 BHK or 3 BHK)
- Transportation vehicles
- Security guard or bodyguard
- Free electricity and water services
- Free phone call services
- House help
- Medical expenses coverage
- Study abroad opportunities
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Opportunities for promotion through further exams
These benefits, along with the prestigious nature of the service, make the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024 an attractive prospect for individuals passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
By staying updated with the latest news, exam dates, patterns, centres, answer keys, salary structure, and benefits, aspiring candidates can prepare themselves effectively for the Indian Forest Service Exam 2024. With dedication, perseverance, and a thorough understanding of the examination process, they can unlock the doors to a fulfilling and rewarding career in the service of the nation’s forests and natural resources.