The Indian Forest Service (IFS) batch of 2023–2025, which completed its training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, has been recognised as the largest batch of the 21st century. A total of 111 officers, including 109 from India and 2 from Bhutan, successfully completed their training.
The convocation was graced by Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, who advised the young officers to strictly adhere to rules and uphold integrity throughout their careers. “Breaking rules may offer short-term benefits, but in the long run, discipline and honesty lead to lasting success,” he said.
IGNFA Director Dr. Jagmohan Sharma shared that so far, the academy has trained 367 officers from India and 14 friendly nations. This year’s batch included 22 women officers, and 50 officers secured over 75% marks. Alongside forestry, trainees were educated in various aspects of governance and administration.
Several officers were honoured with awards for their performance:
- Best Forestry Trainee: Prithviraj KSB – Uttar Pradesh
- Topper in Core Forestry Subjects & Hill Memorial Award: Shobhit Joshi – Madhya Pradesh
- P. Sreenivas Memorial Award, EPG Wildlife Management Award & Sulochana Naidu Award: Ajay Gupta – Madhya Pradesh
- Sanjay Kumar Singh Memorial Award & D.H. Kulkarni Award: Neelam M – Uttar Pradesh
- K.P. Sagreya Forestry Excellence Award, B.N. Ganguly Academic Excellence & K.M. Tiwari Memorial Award: Midhunmohan S.B.
- Nilgiri Wildlife Club Award & The Spirit of 1982 (Second): Shubham Singh – Karnataka
- The Spirit of 1982 (First): Prithviraj KSB – Uttar Pradesh
Senior forest officers including Samir Sinha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, were also present during the ceremony.
