The Union Public Service Commission has released the timetable for the Indian Forest Service Main Examination 2026. The examination is scheduled to take place from November 22 to November 29, 2026. Tests will occur in two daily sessions, with November 24 designated as a holiday with no exams.
Exams will cover compulsory papers alongside candidates’ selected optional subjects, including sciences, mathematics, and engineering disciplines. Daily sessions are set for the morning and afternoon. Candidates can download the complete schedule in PDF format from the official UPSC website to organize their preparation.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 Time Table on its official website. Candidates who have qualified for or are preparing to appear in the IFoS Main Examination can now check the complete examination schedule, including paper-wise dates, morning and afternoon session timings, and the dates assigned to different optional subjects.

As per the official timetable, the UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains Examination 2026 is scheduled to commence on 22 November 2026 and conclude on 29 November 2026. The examination will be conducted in two sessions on the scheduled examination days, except for 24 November 2026, which is listed as a gazetted holiday with no paper scheduled.
Candidates should carefully review the official examination schedule to avoid confusion about their respective papers. The timetable is particularly important for candidates who have selected optional subjects such as Agriculture, Forestry, Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering subjects, and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science.
The direct link to download the official UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026 PDF is provided below.
UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination Name | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 |
| Exam Category | National-level competitive examination |
| Examination Stage | Main Examination |
| Timetable | Published |
| Examination Start Date | 22 November 2026 |
| Examination End Date | 29 November 2026 |
| Morning Session | 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Afternoon Session | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
| Holiday During Schedule | 24 November 2026 |
| Timetable Format | |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains Exam Date 2026
The UPSC IFoS Mains Examination 2026 will be held over the scheduled examination period from 22 November to 29 November 2026. The timetable contains compulsory papers as well as papers for the optional subjects specified in the examination schedule.
Candidates should note that the subjects displayed together in a session are alternatives within the timetable, not separate papers that every candidate must take. Candidates should check the applicable papers for their selected optional subject.
Complete UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026
The following table reproduces the date-wise examination schedule from the official UPSC timetable.
| Date and Day | Forenoon Session (9:00 AM–12:00 Noon) | Afternoon Session (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 Paper – Gazetted Holiday | No Paper – Gazetted Holiday |
| 25 November 2026, 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 2026, 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 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 |
Note: The examination dates and timings above are based on the official UPSC timetable PDF. Candidates should consult the original document for confirmation and any subsequent updates.
Subject-Wise UPSC IFoS Mains Examination Schedule
Candidates can use the following subject-wise summary to identify their examination dates more easily.
1. General English and General Knowledge
The examination begins on 22 November 2026, Sunday.
- General English: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
- General Knowledge: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Candidates should plan their revision for both papers in advance and ensure that they are familiar with the applicable examination requirements.
2. Mathematics and Zoology
Both Mathematics and Zoology papers are scheduled for 23 November 2026, Monday.
- Paper I: Morning session, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
- Paper II: Afternoon session, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Candidates who have selected either of these optional subjects should check both sessions and prepare according to the official schedule.
3. Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
The timetable assigns both papers of the following subjects to 25 November 2026, Wednesday:
- Civil Engineering Paper I and Paper II.
- Chemical Engineering Paper I and Paper II.
- Mechanical Engineering Paper I and Paper II.
Paper I is scheduled in the morning session, while Paper II is scheduled in the afternoon session.
4. Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany and Chemistry
These subjects are scheduled for 26 November 2026, Thursday.
- Paper I: Morning session.
- Paper II: Afternoon session.
Candidates should carefully check the subject name and paper number applicable to them before finalising their revision timetable.
5. Agriculture and Forestry
Agriculture and Forestry papers are scheduled for 27 November 2026, Friday.
- Agriculture Paper I / Forestry Paper I: Morning session.
- Agriculture Paper II / Forestry Paper II: Afternoon session.
Candidates should use the time remaining before the examination for revision, practice and reviewing the topics included in their respective syllabuses.
6. Physics
Both Physics papers are scheduled for 28 November 2026, Saturday.
- Physics Paper I: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
- Physics Paper II: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Candidates should account for the gap between sessions when planning their examination-day arrangements.
7. Geology and Statistics
The final scheduled examination day is 29 November 2026, Sunday.
- Geology Paper I / Statistics Paper I: Morning session.
- Geology Paper II / Statistics Paper II: Afternoon session.
Candidates appearing in these subjects should verify the applicable paper timings and follow the instructions issued by UPSC.
How to Download UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026 PDF
Candidates can download the Indian Forest Service Main Examination timetable directly from the official UPSC website by following these steps.
- Visit the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in/.
- Locate the examination-related notices and timetable information.
- Find the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 Time Table.
- Open the timetable PDF.
- Check the examination dates, paper names and session timings.
- Download the PDF and save it to your computer or mobile device for future reference.
Candidates who prefer a direct download can use the official PDF link provided in the important links section below.
Direct Link to Download UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026
Candidates do not need to search through multiple pages to access the timetable. The official PDF is available through the direct link below.
- UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026 PDF: Download PDF Now
- UPSC Official Website: Visit Here
Always prefer the official UPSC PDF when checking examination dates and timings. If a revised timetable or additional notice is published, candidates should follow the latest official instructions.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains Examination 2026
With the examination scheduled for November 2026, candidates should organise their preparation around the published timetable. The following suggestions can help candidates plan their remaining revision time.
1. Prepare a Date-Wise Revision Plan
Arrange your revision according to the actual examination dates. Give priority to the papers appearing first in the timetable while maintaining regular revision for later papers.
2. Revise Both Papers of Your Optional Subject
Candidates should review the syllabus and previous examination questions relevant to their selected optional subject. Prepare a separate revision plan for Paper I and Paper II.
3. Practise Answer Writing
Practise writing structured answers within the available time. Review your answers for clarity, accuracy, relevance and appropriate presentation.
4. Take Timed Mock Tests
Timed practice can help candidates improve speed, manage the three-hour examination sessions and identify areas requiring further revision.
5. Keep Examination Documents Ready
Check the official examination instructions and keep the required documents ready well before the examination. Follow the reporting time, identification requirements and other directions specified by UPSC.
6. Plan Travel and Accommodation in Advance
Candidates appearing at examination centres away from their homes should plan their travel in advance. Allow sufficient time to reach the examination centre and account for possible transport delays.
7. Follow Official UPSC Updates
The published timetable should be checked against any subsequent official notices. Candidates should rely on the UPSC website for authoritative information about the examination.
Important Instructions for IFoS Mains Candidates
Before appearing in the examination, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Verify the date and session of each applicable paper.
- Note that 24 November 2026 is listed as a gazetted holiday with no paper scheduled.
- Check the applicable optional subject and paper number carefully.
- Follow the examination-centre and reporting instructions issued by UPSC.
- Download the admit card when it becomes available and verify the details printed on it.
- Read the official instructions concerning permitted items and examination conduct.
- Check the official website regularly for updates or changes to the examination schedule.
Candidates should not rely exclusively on unofficial social media posts or copied timetable information when making examination-day arrangements.
UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official IFoS Mains Time Table 2026 | Download PDF |
| Visit UPSC Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Has the UPSC IFoS Mains Time Table 2026 been released?
Yes. UPSC has published the timetable for the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026. Candidates can access it through the official PDF link.
2. When will the UPSC Indian Forest Service Mains Examination 2026 begin?
The examination is scheduled to begin on 22 November 2026.
3. What is the last date of the UPSC IFoS Mains Examination 2026?
According to the published timetable, the final scheduled examination day is 29 November 2026.
4. What are the timings for the UPSC IFoS Mains Examination?
The forenoon session runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, and the afternoon session runs from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
5. Is there a holiday during the UPSC IFoS Mains Examination?
Yes. The official timetable lists 24 November 2026, Tuesday, as a gazetted holiday, with no paper scheduled in either session.
6. Where can I download the official IFoS Mains timetable PDF?
Candidates can download the timetable from the official UPSC website or directly through this link: Download Now.
7. Which subjects are included in the published timetable?
The timetable includes General English, General Knowledge, Mathematics, Zoology, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Agriculture, Forestry, Physics, Geology and Statistics.
8. Are all listed optional subjects examined on the same day?
No. The examination schedule assigns different subjects to different dates. Candidates should identify the papers applicable to their selected optional subject and follow the official timetable.
9. Should candidates check the UPSC website after downloading the timetable?
Yes. Candidates should check the official website for any subsequent notices, revisions or additional examination instructions.
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