The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for the IFS 2021 Exam: A Comprehensive Plan for August 2020 Starters

Aspiring officers of the Indian Forest Service (IFS) need to be aware of the challenges they face. Compared to the UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS), the IFS has a higher cutoff, often needing a score 10 marks higher. This guide will help you successfully navigate the IFS exam starting your preparation in August 2020.

Understanding the Differences between IFS and IAS

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is one of the prestigious services of the Indian Civil Services under the Ministry of Forests and Environment (now Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change). Unlike the IAS, the IFS has a slightly more stringent selection process. Therefore, while preparing for the IFS exam, it's important to understand how the strategy differs from that for the IAS.

Calibrating Your Strategy for Success in IFS

The examination structure for the Indian Forest Service is divided into Preliminary and Mains. The Preliminary exam, also known as CSP (Combined State Personnel), is styled on the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) pattern and is compulsory for all candidates. While the Mains is relatively easier, with only 15% of candidates qualifying, the Preliminary stage is where most candidates fail to clear.

Score Target for IFS Preliminary Exam

A score of 120 in the IFS prelims is recommended. This higher score is necessary to outshine the typical UPSC IAS cutoff, which is generally around 110-120 marks. This high score helps in increasing your chances of making it to the Mains phase.

Grasping the Mains Examination

The IFS Mains consists of two papers each of 300 marks, making a total of 600 marks. Additionally, there are two optional subjects each carrying 100 marks, adding up to 200 marks. Therefore, a solid performance in these optional subjects can significantly boost your overall score.

Communicating Your Efforts Effectively

The rejection rate for the Prelims stage is very high, making it crucial to focus on scoring well. Given that the Mains is relatively easier, preparing thoroughly for the optional subjects can grant you a substantial advantage. Developing an effective strategy and maintaining consistency are key.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Remember, climbing the mountain to become an IFS officer is no easy task. However, with the right preparation and consistent effort, you can achieve your goals. Keep a strategic and focused approach, and you will increase your chances of success in the IFS 2021 exam. Good luck on your journey!

Raja Rajyavardhan Singh, GS Faculty, Plutus IAS