Agartala, May 21, 2025 – Tripura celebrate a moment of pride as Kenneth Chakma, a Senior Geologist with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 116 in the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2024. This milestone, accomplished on his fifth attempt, underscores Chakma’s perseverance and dedication, inspiring aspiring civil servants across the state and beyond.
Kenneth Chakma: A Stellar Academic and Professional Journey
Hailing from Tripura, Kenneth Chakma brings an exceptional academic background to his achievement. He holds a Master’s degree in Applied Geology from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, showcasing his academic prowess. Chakma is also a qualified Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and has cleared the GATE examination, further highlighting his expertise in earth sciences. His educational journey began at Holy Cross School in Agartala, followed by schooling at Vikas Vidyalaya in Visakhapatnam. He later enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi but paused his research to pursue his ambition of joining the Indian Forest Service.
As a Senior Geologist with the GSI, Chakma has honed his skills in geological sciences, which align closely with the IFoS’s mission of environmental conservation and sustainable forest management. His professional experience positions him as a valuable addition to the service.
A Triumph of Perseverance
Securing AIR 116 in the UPSC IFoS 2024 examination is a testament to Chakma’s relentless determination. The IFoS exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is known for its rigorous selection process, comprising a written examination and a personal interview. Chakma’s success on his fifth attempt serves as an inspiration for countless aspirants, particularly in Tripura, where his achievement has sparked widespread celebration.
Next Steps in a Prestigious Career
Kenneth Chakma is set to join the 2025 batch of All India Services officers. In September 2025, he will begin his foundation training at the renowned Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Following this, he will undergo specialized forestry training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, preparing him to contribute to India’s environmental and forest conservation efforts.
The Indian Forest Service plays a critical role in managing India’s diverse ecosystems, addressing challenges like deforestation, biodiversity preservation, and climate change mitigation. Chakma’s expertise in geology and his commitment to public service make him well-suited to excel in this vital role.
A Family Legacy of Public Service
Chakma’s success carries special significance, given his family’s dedication to public service. His father, Uttam Kumar Chakma, is an IAS officer currently serving as a Secretary in the Government of Tripura. This familial legacy underscores Kenneth’s achievement, making it a source of pride for both his family and the state.
Tripura’s success in Civil services:
Kenneth Chakma’s achievement adds a new chapter to Tripura’s rising prominence in civil services. The state has seen an increasing number of candidates excelling in competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) and IFoS, reflecting its focus on education and aspiration. Sagar Datta Majumdar tasted success with an impressive rank of 317 in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.
| Details: Tripura’s Sagar Datta Majumdar Secures Rank 317 in UPSC 2025, Aims for IAS |
Sagar Datta Majumdar, son of ONGC official Tushar Datta Majumdar and Gauri Datta Majumdar hails from Agartala. He is likely to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey.
UPSC IFoS 2024: A Competitive Landscape
The UPSC announced the final results of the Indian Forest Service Examination 2024 recommending 143 candidates for appointments across various categories. The top rank was secured by Kanika Anabh, setting a high standard for the year. Notably, two vacancies under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category remain unfilled and will be carried forward to the next recruitment cycle. The IFoS examination’s demanding evaluation process ensures that only the most capable candidates are selected to safeguard India’s natural resources.
For more information on the UPSC IFoS examination and eligibility criteria, visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
