100+ Free UPSC IFS Practice Questions
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Which Article of the Indian Constitution abolishes 'untouchability' and forbids its practice in any form?
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Key Facts: UPSC IFS Exam
180
Total Objective Questions (Prelims)
UPSC
200+200
Marks (GS Paper I + CSAT)
UPSC
33%
CSAT Qualifying Minimum
UPSC
1/3
Negative Marking per Wrong Answer
UPSC
Rs. 100
Application Fee (Gen/OBC/EWS)
UPSC
2 hours
Duration per Paper
UPSC
The UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Prelims shares two objective papers with the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. GS Paper I has 100 questions (200 marks) and CSAT Paper II has 80 questions (200 marks), each lasting two hours, with one-third negative marking. CSAT is qualifying at a minimum of 33%, while GS Paper I sets the screening cutoff. The fee is Rs. 100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates.
Sample UPSC IFS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your UPSC IFS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Preliminary Examination is conducted jointly with which other UPSC examination?
2In the IFoS/Civil Services Prelims, what is the negative marking applied for each incorrect answer in the objective papers?
3The CSAT (General Studies Paper II) in the IFoS Prelims is described as 'qualifying'. What minimum percentage must a candidate score in it?
4Which committee's report led to the framing of the Government of India Act, 1935, after a series of Round Table Conferences?
5The Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 was withdrawn in 1922 primarily because of which event?
6Which Mughal emperor is credited with abolishing the jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1564?
7The Indus Valley Civilisation site of Lothal, known for its dockyard, is located in which present-day Indian state?
8Who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875, advocating a return to the Vedas?
9The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between which two organisations?
10Which ancient ruler is associated with the rock and pillar edicts that spread the message of Dhamma across the Indian subcontinent?
About the UPSC IFS Exam
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers to the Indian Forest Service (distinct from the Indian Foreign Service). Since 2013 its Preliminary stage is the same as the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, comprising two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I (100 questions, 200 marks) and CSAT Paper II (80 questions, 200 marks). Both papers are two hours long and carry one-third negative marking for wrong answers; the CSAT paper is qualifying and requires a minimum of 33%. Candidates who clear the IFoS prelims cutoff proceed to a descriptive Mains examination and a personality test/interview.
Questions
180 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours total (two 2-hour papers)
Passing Score
GS Paper I cutoff varies by year; CSAT Paper II is qualifying at a minimum of 33%
Exam Fee
Rs. 100 (General/OBC/EWS); women, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates exempted (Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
UPSC IFS Exam Content Outline
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity
Ecology, ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, pollution, environmental law, forestry, and international conventions
Geography (India & World)
Physical, economic, and social geography of India and the world, including climatology, soils, and rivers
Polity & Constitution
Constitution, fundamental rights and duties, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and constitutional bodies
History & Indian National Movement
Ancient, medieval, and modern India, the freedom struggle, and social-cultural movements
Economy & Social Development
Economic and social development, sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, and demographics
General Science & Technology
Physics, chemistry, biology basics and developments in science and technology
Current Affairs
National and international events, awards, summits, and contemporary environmental and policy developments
CSAT (Aptitude) Paper II
Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, basic numeracy, and data interpretation
How to Pass the UPSC IFS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: GS Paper I cutoff varies by year; CSAT Paper II is qualifying at a minimum of 33%
- Exam length: 180 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours total (two 2-hour papers)
- Exam fee: Rs. 100 (General/OBC/EWS); women, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates exempted
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
UPSC IFS Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UPSC IFS the same as the Indian Foreign Service?
No. UPSC IFS here refers to the Indian Forest Service (IFoS), which manages forests, wildlife, and natural resources. The Indian Foreign Service is a different service recruited through the Civil Services Examination. The two are distinct despite sharing the abbreviation 'IFS'.
What is the exam pattern of the IFoS Preliminary stage?
The IFoS prelims are the same two objective papers as the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination: General Studies Paper I with 100 questions for 200 marks, and CSAT Paper II with 80 questions for 200 marks. Each paper is two hours long, and both carry one-third negative marking.
Is the CSAT paper counted for the cutoff?
No. CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying in nature; candidates must score at least 33% in it. Only the marks of General Studies Paper I are used to determine the screening cutoff for the IFoS prelims.
What is the application fee for UPSC IFoS?
The application fee is Rs. 100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. Female candidates and SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
What are the educational qualifications required?
Candidates need a bachelor's degree with at least one subject among Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or Zoology, or a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Engineering from a recognised university.
What is the age limit for the IFoS exam?
Candidates are generally required to be between 21 and 32 years of age as on 1 August of the examination year, with upper-age relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, PwBD, and certain other categories as specified by UPSC.
What happens after clearing the IFoS prelims?
Clearing the prelims cutoff makes a candidate eligible for the IFoS Mains, a descriptive examination with general and optional subject papers. Mains is followed by a personality test/interview and a medical/physical standards examination before final selection.
Does the exam have negative marking?
Yes. Both objective papers carry negative marking of one-third of the marks assigned to a question for each wrong answer. Since each question carries 2 marks, a wrong answer deducts about 0.66 marks, so careless guessing is penalised.