The Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2016 official cut-off marks are available in PDF format for candidates who want to understand past benchmarks set by the exam authority. These cut-off marks indicate the minimum scores required to qualify at the Main examination stage for different categories. Aspirants preparing for upcoming IFoS attempts can use the 2016 cut-off data to assess competition levels and set realistic score targets for their preparation.
I am writing about the IFoS 2016 cut-off marks because many aspirants focus heavily on syllabus coverage but ignore score analysis. Cut-offs offer a clear picture of how much is enough and how much extra effort is needed to stay on the safer side. Looking at official data from previous years helps candidates plan smarter, reduce guesswork, and approach preparation with better clarity.
About the Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination
The Indian Forest Service Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for the Indian Forest Service, one of the premier All India Services. The selection process includes the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test.
The Main Examination plays a crucial role, as marks scored at this stage are counted for the final merit list along with the interview marks.
What the IFoS Main Exam 2016 Cut-off Marks Represent
The cut-off marks for the IFoS Main Examination 2016 show the minimum qualifying scores required by candidates to move ahead in the selection process. These cut-offs vary by category and depend on several factors, including the number of vacancies and overall candidate performance.
The cut-off marks are released officially by UPSC only after the completion of the entire recruitment cycle.
Why the 2016 Cut-off Marks Are Still Important
Even though the examination was conducted in 2016, the cut-off data remains relevant for today’s aspirants. It helps candidates understand long-term trends rather than year-to-year fluctuations.
From my experience, analysing older cut-offs gives aspirants a broader perspective and prevents over-dependence on coaching predictions or social media estimates.
Factors That Influenced IFoS 2016 Cut-off Marks
Several factors played a role in determining the cut-off marks in 2016:
- Difficulty level of the Main examination papers
- Total number of vacancies announced
- Number of candidates appearing in the exam
- Overall performance trends across categories
These elements together decide whether cut-offs rise or fall in a particular year.
How to Download IFoS (Main) Examination 2016 Cut-off Marks PDF
Candidates can download the official cut-off marks PDF by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Go to the “Examinations” section
- Click on “Cut-off Marks”
- Choose the year 2016
- Select Indian Forest Service (Main) Exam. 2016
- Download the official PDF file
It is always recommended to rely only on UPSC’s official website for accurate and authentic information.


















