Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Ravikant Meena, a 2023 batch officer (odisha cadre), recently shared his experiences and preparation strategies in an exclusive video interview with Indian Masterminds. His insights shed light on what it takes to succeed in one of India’s most competitive examinations and the nature of public service in forestry.
WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE-
EARLY CONNECTIONS WITH FORESTS
Growing up in proximity to wildlife and observing local livelihoods sparked his interest in the environment. “I always saw with my own eyes how people live and how forests and wildlife are managed,” he recalls. This exposure influenced his decision to pursue a career in forestry.
After completing his schooling locally, Meena pursued civil engineering. He simultaneously decided to attempt both the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and the Indian Forest Service exam, ultimately clearing the IFS in his first attempt.
PREPARING STRATEGIES
Meena’s preparation strategy combined structured planning with consistent practice. From May to December, he focused on completing the mains syllabus. From January onward, his attention shifted to prelims, with an emphasis on mock tests.
“Prelims preparation is largely about practice,” he explains. He recommends completing around 50 mock tests, which exposes candidates to thousands of questions and reduces errors during the exam. According to Meena, iterative practice is key to understanding different question patterns and building confidence.
CHOOSING OPTIONALS AND MAINS PREPARATION
Selecting the right optional subjects is crucial. Meena advises aspirants to consider three factors: personal interest, scoring potential, and availability of study material. For IFS, forestry is the most common choice, followed by geology and agriculture. Science graduates may also opt for civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering.
He suggests completing optional subjects in advance, ideally before major holidays or festivals, allowing time for revision. Answer writing, while important, is less intensive than for CSE, and two to three practice tests are sufficient.
PERSONALITY TEST AND COMMON MISTAKES
The IFS personality test involves a four-member panel, with questions covering forestry, optional subjects, and general awareness. Meena emphasizes the need to remain composed and demonstrate knowledge clearly.
He also highlights common mistakes: aspirants often focus too much on collecting new study material instead of practicing mock tests. “Don’t run behind content. Focus on solving papers,” he advises.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
IFS Ravikant Meena encourages aspirants to maintain confidence, stay consistent, and avoid self-doubt. He recommends focusing on previous years’ question papers, optional subjects, and English and general knowledge preparation.
He is also accessible to aspirants through his Telegram channel, offering guidance and answering queries.
Ravikant Meena’s journey demonstrates that structured preparation, focus, and a genuine interest in environmental service are essential for success in the Indian Forest Service.
