The Annual Convocation of 2023 Batch of Indian Forest Service (IFS) Probationers at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy was organized in the historic Convocation Hall, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun on 30.07.2025.  Hon’ble Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission graced the occasion as Chief Guest and awarded the certificates and prizes to the Probationers. This is the largest batch to pass out in 21st century. 

Dr. Jagmohan Sharma, Director, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in his address informed the gathering that Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and its predecessor organization the Indian Forest College is serving the nation for the last 87 years and all the Indian Forest Service officers in independent India and around 367 forest officers from 14 other countries have been trained in this institution. 

He further informed that a total of 111 officer trainees including 109 Indian Forest Service Probationers and two Foreign Trainees from Royal Govt of Bhutan have attended the training course. Batch also includes 22 number of lady officers. Out of these, 50 officers have secured more than 75% marks in the aggregate, thereby qualifying to get the Honors Diploma. 

He also informed that the officers are trained in various aspects of forestry and governance to meet the expectations of the service, including training with the various other institutions and NGOs. He pointed out that this is the first batch to pass out after the change in the course pattern in 2023. He advised the young Probationers to work with utmost sincerity and devotion and do their best for securing livelihood of the forest dependent people.

At the ceremony, the officers who had shown outstanding achievements were awarded with the different prizes and awards. Shri Midhunmohan S.B. of Kerala Cadre was declared the topper of the batch. 

The chief guest of the programme, Hon’ble Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, in his convocation address congratulated the trainee officers on their success. 

He said that the Indian Forest Service serves not only with administrative responsibilities, but with moral and constitutional commitments as well. He pointed out that you should be aware of your responsibilities and roles as they changed over a period of time. Giving them success mantras, he said that they should always follow the rules and never be indifferent towards them. 

Breaking the rules for any reason may provide them only short-term term benefits but in the long run it comes out as a penalty. He said that do not ill treat your subordinates and colleagues. With the changing times, a small wrongful act can affect your career. He further added, always remain positive and consistent. 

Your behavior makes others’ attitude towards you. In the end, citing the example of "Satyam vad, Dharmam char" from Taittareeya Upanishad, he asked them to always follow the path of truthfulness and lawfulness. He said that today as an officer, you might be experiencing a sense of achievement at your convocation ceremony but during your service period you will have to perform in such manner that make you experience a sense of fulfilment at the time of retirement. He asked them to follow the path of integrity, discipline and compassion in career.

In the end, he extended his best wishes to all the officers and the Academy and wished them a bright future.
The Convocation was attended by a large number of senior level officers including PCCF (HoFF), Uttarakhand; Director General, ICFRE; Director, FRI, DG FSI; Director, WII, Director, Directorate of Forestry Education; Principal, CASFoS Dehradun; Director, IIRS Dehradun; Director, ICAR-CSWCR Dehradun; Director, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology; faculty members of IGNFA & CASFoS Dehradun, Retd. IFS Officers, Senior officers of Indian Forest Service; Senior officers from Central and State Governments and Probationers of 2024 batch attended the Convocation ceremony from the Central and State Government, besides the family members of the officers (2023 Batch) who passed out today.