The rapid economic growth has had a telling effect on the natural resources of the country. Conservation of forests and the wildlife are some of the foremost challenges before the nation now. But these very challenges have opened up a gamut of opportunities for people who are passionate about nature and the need to preserve it.

Though not as fashionable as the IAS and the IPS, the Indian Forest Service (IFS) has been gaining popularity over the last few years. According to Nihar Ranjan, a 2000 batch IFS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, 60,000-70,000 candidates now apply for just about 60 to 80 posts every year. The examination for the IFS, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), has two parts to it.

The first is the written examination which tests the knowledge of the candidate in a number of subjects including General Studies. Each subject has two papers. All questions are of essay type and require a fair bit of time-management skill.

S. Balaji, a 1981 batch IFS officer and Chief Conservator of Forest, Tamil Nadu, says the standard of questions asked at the examination is just above the graduate level. The candidates should be crisp and precise in their writing and are expected to possess considerable knowledge on the given subject.
The students are also expected to choose two optional papers of their choice from a list of 14.

Attending special coaching classes could be of great help as the examination requires a specific style of writing. Vikas Chawla, who took the examination last year, says the examiners never ask direct questions in the paper and the most important challenge is to interpret what is being asked correctly.
Once the candidate clears the examination, he or she has to undergo a personality test. This usually checks the alertness of the mind and leadership qualities as the job of a forest officer requires quick decision-making.

After the candidate completes the personality test, his or her physical fitness is examined.
This usually involves a 25-km walk for men and 14-km walk for women at the Delhi Zoo to be completed within four hours.