IFoS Full Form

IFoS Full Form

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 09, 2023 10:36 AM IST

What is the full form of IFoS?

The abbreviation IFoS stands for Indian Forest Service. The Indian Forest Service forms one of the three major segments of the Union’s Government All-India Services. The remaining two are Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). The IFoS was formed in the year of 1966, under the All-Indian Services Act, of 1951.

Missions of IFoS

IFoS largely aims to ensure the environmental stability and regulation of the ecological balance. This Indian service is responsible for the protection and welfare of the forest areas. Likewise, it works for the conservation of sanctuaries, wildlife parks, and national parks. The service becomes inevitable for maintaining the forest cover of the nation as these forests function as the lungs of nature. The forest cover and its good maintenance occur to be one of the determinants of the nation’s economy. IFoS works untiringly to conserve wildlife and provide the best possible protection to the varied flora and fauna of India.

Basic Information About IFoS

IFoS was earlier referred to as the “Imperial Forest Service,” and occurs in the jurisdiction of the Indian government. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate change, remains the controlling authority of this service. The general audience could avail the publicised information about forests on the government website - ifs.nic.in. The IFoS service comprises several posts including, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), Principal Chief, Conservator of Forests, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief, Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Probationary Officer.

Functions of IFoS Officer

To become an IFoS officer, a candidate must clear the all-India IFoS exam. The IFoS/IFS officers largely work to maintain the ecological stability of forests in India, conserve and maintain the forest resources by utilising sustainable management practises, manage and develop the national parks, wildlife sanctuaries etc., conserve the biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna, enhance the livelihood opportunities for the forests-dependent communities, deals with issues of deforestation, landslides, poaching and wildfires, develop the forest area and construct and implement several forest policies.

Job Roles of Indian Forest Officer (IFoS)

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest - The principal chief conservator of the forest is the commanding officer of the forest service. This officer's main duties include managing the forest, wildlife, and environmental concerns of several states. It is also the top position in the Indian Forest Service.

Additional Chief Conservator of Forest - First off, this official is crucial in supporting the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest in his or her duties. Second, this officer is directly responsible to the chief and must carry out his instructions.

Deputy Conservator of Forest - Divisional Forest Officer is another title for the deputy conservator of forests. The officer's primary responsibilities also include managing issues involving the environment, wildlife, and forests.

Assistant Conservator of Forest - This officer's duty is to support higher-ranking officers. Additionally, they carry out some duties related to their post that were allocated to them upon joining.

Forest Range Officer (FRO) - The efficient administration of the forest falls under the purview of this official. Additionally, this individual is in charge of government property related to the forest. Additionally, this officer works under the Deputy Forest Conservator.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an IFoS Officer

An IFoS officer enjoys the attractive benefits of a permanent government official. The salary hike occurs almost consistently depending on experience and promotion. Furthermore, an IFoS official enjoys the pleasure of residing in a beautiful home in several beautiful locations. They spend most of their time amidst nature and wildlife. However, an IFoS officer remains always under the threat of animal attacks. They, on several occasions, have to face the land mafia and other Naxal problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the nationality criteria for being an IFoS officer?

The candidate must be Indian by origin. However, Nepalese and Bhutanese may also apply. Even candidates of Indian origin, but residing in Pakistan, Burma, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zaire, Zambia, Vietnam and Ethiopia can apply for the IFoS exam.

2. What is the number of attempts allowed for the IFoS exam?

The general candidates have 6 attempts, OBC and other backward classes have 9 attempts, while SC/ST has no limit to the number of attempts given for the IFoS exam, depending upon their age.

3. Do the prelims for IAS and IFoS the same?

 The prelim exams for IAS and IFoS are the same. However, the mains and interview stages for both services are different.

4. Is the candidate assessed on his physical fitness in the IFoS exam?

Yes, the candidate must prepare himself for the physical fitness test to clear the last round of the exam.

5. How many papers does the preliminary exam have?

The preliminary exam has two papers, each of 200 marks, with the syllabus of other preliminary exams of civil services.

Get answers from students and experts
Back to top