IFoS

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) 

The Indian Forest Service (IFS) is a central civil services group A cadre, responsible for managing the country's forests and wildlife. The IFS operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is responsible for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of forests and wildlife in India.

The training academy for the IFS is the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The IGNFA is responsible for the training of IFS officers and other forest officials of the country.

The training structure for IFS officers includes a comprehensive training program that spans over two years. The training is divided into three parts:

Foundation Course: This is a three-month-long course that introduces the trainees to the basics of forest management, ecology, environment, and sustainable development. It also includes courses on communication skills, public policy, and administration.

Professional Course: The Professional Course is the main training program for IFS officers, which is conducted over a period of 18 months. The course is divided into three parts:

Phase I (six months): This phase includes training in various aspects of forest management such as forest survey and inventory, forest working plan preparation, wildlife management, and forest protection.

Phase II (six months): This phase includes specialized training in areas such as wildlife conservation, eco-development, forest genetics and tree improvement, and forest policy and legislation.

Phase III (six months): This phase is dedicated to attachment training, where the trainees are attached to various forest circles, research institutions, and wildlife sanctuaries.

On-Job Training: After the completion of the Professional Course, IFS officers undergo on-job training for one year, during which they work in various positions related to forest and wildlife management.

Overall, the training structure for IFS officers is rigorous and comprehensive, with a focus on developing their technical, managerial, and leadership skills related to forest and wildlife management.