UPSC Indian Forest Service Exam 2024: Kanika Anabh Tops, 143 Candidates Selected
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the much-awaited results for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2024. This year, Kanika Anabh emerged as the top scorer, securing the first position in a highly competitive exam. The IFS exam, which tests candidates for various prestigious positions in the Indian Forest Service, saw thousands of aspirants vying for a place.
UPSC IFS Exam 2024: Exam Timeline and Important Dates
The examination took place in two phases. The preliminary exam was held from November 24 to December 1, 2024, and the personality tests (also known as interviews) were conducted between April 21 and May 2, 2025. Following the announcement of the results, successful candidates will now prepare for the next step: the mains exam, scheduled for August 22, 2025. Candidates who cleared the preliminary round have already been notified, and their names have now been added to the list of those shortlisted for the mains.
143 Candidates Shortlisted for Appointment
The UPSC has recommended 143 candidates for appointment in the Indian Forest Service this year. These candidates represent diverse categories, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity. The breakdown of these candidates includes:
- 40 from the General category
- 19 from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- 50 from Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- 23 from Scheduled Castes (SC)
- 11 from Scheduled Tribes (ST)
This diverse representation reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure that candidates from different social and economic backgrounds have an opportunity to serve in the Indian Forest Service.
Top Performers of UPSC IFS 2024
Among the 143 selected candidates, Kanika Anabh led the pack, but many other outstanding performers have made their mark. The top 5 candidates in the IFS 2024 exam are:
- Kanika Anabh
- Khandelwal Anand Anilkumar
- Anubhav Singh
- Jain Siddharth Parasmal
- Manjunath Shivappa Nidoni
These individuals and others in the top 20 have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, dedication, and aptitude for the Indian Forest Service.
Important Information on Results and Provisional Candidature
While the results have been announced, the UPSC has withheld the results for seven candidates for various reasons. Additionally, the candidature of 51 recommended candidates remains provisional. This means that the final appointment will depend on the candidates fulfilling all eligibility conditions and undergoing necessary verifications as per the examination rules.
The complete list of candidates and their corresponding categories can be found on the UPSC website. For those eager to know their marks, the Commission has confirmed they will be available within the next 15 days.
Vacancy Details and Category-wise Breakdown
The number of available vacancies for the Indian Forest Service this year is 150, distributed across various categories as follows:
- General: 61
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 15
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 40
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 11
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 23
These vacancies indicate opportunities in forest management and administration, which are critical to India’s conservation efforts. The government will make the final appointments based on the number of available vacancies and the candidates meeting all necessary eligibility criteria.
UPSC Provides Facilitation for Candidates
The UPSC has set up a facilitation counter near the Examination Hall on its campus to assist candidates who may require further information or clarification about their examination or recruitment processes. The counter is open during working hours (10 am to 5 pm) on all working days, and candidates can also contact UPSC by phone at 011-23385271 or 23381125.
Looking Ahead: UPSC’s Commitment to Public Service Recruitment
The UPSC is one of India's most prestigious examination bodies, and its Indian Forest Service exam is considered one of the country's toughest. The successful candidates who have cleared the UPSC IFS exam 2024 will join the dedicated professionals working to protect India’s natural resources, forests, and wildlife.
Additionally, earlier this year, UPSC announced the Civil Services Exam (CSE) results, where Shakti Dubey secured the All India Rank 1. This continues to underline UPSC’s role in providing the nation with capable and talented individuals in various central services.
For those still on the path to UPSC success, the journey continues with the upcoming Mains exams. As always, the IFS exam is a gateway to prestigious positions that offer great career opportunities and allow candidates to contribute to India's environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for UPSC IFS Aspirants
The journey is far from over for the 143 candidates selected this year. With the Mains exam scheduled for August 22, 2025, many are now gearing up for the next phase. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, one thing is clear: the Indian Forest Service continues to be an attractive and vital career option for those passionate about nature and public service.
To all the aspirants, whether you are among this year’s successful candidates or still preparing for your turn, remember that perseverance and dedication are key. The UPSC IFS exam tests knowledge and resilience, and those who keep pushing forward will eventually reach their goals. Candidates can visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in for more information and updates
