Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, About, Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Placements, Infrastructure

Description

About Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy

The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) is a premier training institution for officers of the Indian Forest Service (IFoS). Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, it functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Established in 1987, the academy is responsible for imparting professional training to IFoS officers to manage India’s forest and wildlife resources sustainably.

Admission Open 2025-26

Admission to IGNFA is through the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Nationality: Indian citizen

• Age Limit: 21–32 years (relaxation for reserved categories)

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Science/Engineering/Forestry/Agriculture from a recognized university.

• Selection Process:
  
  

  • Preliminary Exam (UPSC Civil Services Prelims)

  • Main Exam (IFoS Mains)

  • Interview/Personality Test

  • Final Selection & Training at IGNFA
    
    

Important Dates (Tentative for 2025):

• UPSC IFoS Notification: February 2025

• Prelims Exam: May/June 2025

• Mains Exam: November/December 2025

• Final Result: Early 2026
  
  
  

Courses Offered

IGNFA primarily offers the Professional Forestry Training Program for IFoS officers, which includes:

• Foundation Course (15 weeks)
  
  

• Induction Training (2 years) covering:
  
  

  • Forest Policy & Law

  • Wildlife Management

  • Biodiversity Conservation

  • Climate Change & Sustainable Forestry

  • GIS & Remote Sensing

  • Field Training & Research
    
    
    

Fees & Financial Support

• Fully Funded by Government of India

• Selected candidates receive a salary during training as per IFoS pay scale.

• No tuition fee; accommodation & other facilities are provided.
  
  
  

Placements & Career Prospects

• 100% Placement in the Indian Forest Service under various state cadres.
  
  

• Career roles include:
  
  

  • Divisional Forest Officer (DFO)

  • Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF)

  • Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)

  • Roles in Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Environmental Policy, and Research
    
    

Infrastructure & Facilities

• Campus: Sprawling green campus in Dehradun.

• Library: Extensive collection on forestry, wildlife, and environment.

• Labs: Modern labs for GIS, Remote Sensing, and Wildlife Studies.

• Hostel: Well-furnished accommodation for trainees.

• Sports & Recreation: Facilities for indoor/outdoor sports.

• Field Visits: Regular trips to forests, sanctuaries, and research centers.