INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL
FOREST ACADEMY DEHRADUN

The History of Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA)

The Genesis: Forestry Education in Dehradun (1878–1938)

The roots of professional forestry training in India date back to 1878, when the Central Forest School was established in Dehradun to train Forest Rangers. Before this, Imperial Forest Service (IFS) officers were trained in Europe (at Cooper’s Hill, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh).

In 1926, the Indian Forest Service training was moved to Dehradun, and on April 1, 1938, the Indian Forest College (IFC) was officially established to train officers for the superior forest services of the various provinces and states of India.

Rebirth of the Service (1966)

Following India's independence, the need for a unified professional service was recognized. In 1966, the Indian Forest Service was reconstituted as one of the three All India Services under the All India Services Act, 1951. The Indian Forest College remained the primary training ground for these new officers, refining the curriculum to meet the needs of a sovereign nation focusing on conservation and scientific management.

The Birth of IGNFA (1987)

A major turning point occurred in 1987. To elevate the status of forestry training to match that of the IAS and IPS, the Ministry of Environment and Forests upgraded the Indian Forest College into a National Academy. It was renamed the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA).

The Academy was given the status of a "Staff College" for the Indian Forest Service, functioning as a center for excellence to prepare officers for the complex challenges of environmental governance.

Evolution of Mandate & Modern Era

Over the decades, IGNFA has expanded its role beyond "Induction Training" for new recruits. Its current mandate includes:

• Professional Forest Management: Specialized training in Silviculture, Wildlife Management, and Forest Law.
• Mid-Career Training Programs (MCTP): Capacity building for senior officers as they move into policy-making roles.
• Skill Upgradation: Short-term courses for other stakeholders, including the judiciary and other All India Services.

The Campus and Legacy

Located in the lush "New Forest" estate in Dehradun, the Academy shares its surroundings with the world-renowned Forest Research Institute. It maintains a rich heritage of discipline and academic rigor, symbolized by its motto: "यस्य वनं तस्य मेदिनी" (The Earth belongs to the one who protects the Forest).