Welcome to Odisha Careers! If you are an aspirant from Odisha gearing up for the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, we have an important update for you.
The UPSC has officially released the timetable for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Main Examination 2026. The Mains exam is scheduled to take place from November 22 to November 29, 2026, across multiple sessions. Whether you are preparing from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or anywhere else in the state, it’s time to fine-tune your revision strategy.
Below is the complete breakdown of the exam dates, schedule, and essential details you need to know.
UPSC IFS Mains 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 80 |
| Exam Dates | November 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2026 |
| Exam Shifts | Forenoon: 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Afternoon: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
(Note: November 24, 2026, is a gazetted holiday, and no examinations will be held on this day.)
Detailed Exam Timetable
The IFS Mains consists of comprehensive descriptive papers. Here is the official date-wise schedule released by the commission:
| Date & Day | Forenoon Session (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| 22-11-2026 (Sunday) | General English | General Knowledge |
| 23-11-2026 (Monday) | Mathematics Paper-I / Zoology Paper-I | Mathematics Paper-II / Zoology Paper-II |
| 24-11-2026 (Tuesday) | No Paper (Gazetted Holiday) | No Paper (Gazetted Holiday) |
| 25-11-2026 (Wednesday) | Civil / Chemical / Mechanical Engg. (Paper-I) | Civil / Chemical / Mechanical Engg. (Paper-II) |
| 26-11-2026 (Thursday) | Agri. Engg / Animal Husbandry & Vet Science / Botany / Chemistry (Paper-I) | Agri. Engg / Animal Husbandry & Vet Science / Botany / Chemistry (Paper-II) |
| 27-11-2026 (Friday) | Agriculture Paper-I / Forestry Paper-I | Agriculture Paper-II / Forestry Paper-II |
| 28-11-2026 (Saturday) | Physics Paper-I | Physics Paper-II |
| 29-11-2026 (Sunday) | Geology Paper-I / Statistics Paper-I | Geology Paper-II / Statistics Paper-II |
UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2026: How to Download
The UPSC has not yet released the e-Admit Cards, but they are expected to be available soon on the official portal. Candidates from Odisha should keep their registration details handy.
Steps to download once released:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “What’s New” or “Examinations” section and click on the link for “e-Admit Card: Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2026”.
- You will be redirected to the upsconline.nic.in portal.
- Enter your Registration ID or Roll Number along with your Date of Birth.
- Download your admit card and print at least 2-3 clear copies for exam day.
Exam Day Guidelines for Aspirants
- Mandatory Documents: You must carry a printed copy of your e-Admit Card along with a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card, Driving Licence, etc.) that matches the details on your admit card.
- Punctuality: Ensure you reach your designated exam center well ahead of the reporting time. Entry gates close strictly before the commencement of the exam.
- Medium of Examination: All Main Examination papers must be answered in English only.
- Restricted Items: Electronic gadgets, mobile phones, smartwatches, and study materials are strictly prohibited inside the examination hall.
Final Selection Process
For those unfamiliar with the marking scheme, the final selection for the Indian Forest Service is based on a total of 1700 marks. This includes the Main written examination (1400 marks) and the final Personality Test/Interview (300 marks).
Odisha Careers wishes all candidates the very best for their upcoming UPSC IFS Mains 2026! Stay tuned to our portal for more local and national career updates, admit card releases, and result notifications.
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