The selection process included a written test held from November 24 to December 1, 2024, and Personality Tests conducted between April 21 and May 2, 2025
Hyderabad: At least a dozen candidates from the Telugu states secured top ranks in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2024, according to the final list released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) late Monday night. Among the 143 candidates recommended for appointment, Telugu-speaking aspirants featured prominently within the top 50.
Chada Nikhil Reddy secured All India Rank (AIR) 11, followed by Yeduguri Aiswarya Reddy (13), G. Prashanth (25), Cheruku Avinash Reddy (40), Shruti Chaudhary (42), Chintakayala Lava Kumar (49), Alapati Gopinadh (55), Balaji A. (65), Lochan Bopanna M.S. (69), Ram Prakash B. (93), P. Arun Srinivas (125), and Pendam Gourav Ramesh (All India Rank 137).
One of the most notable stories is that of Lava Kumar, a veterinary science graduate from Mulagapudi in Rowthulapudi mandal of Kakinada district. With no formal coaching and coming from an agricultural background, Lava Kumar cleared the exam in his second attempt — a significant achievement for someone from a remote village with limited access to resources.
Equally striking is the journey of Telgote Devanand, a 29-year-old from Maharashtra who overcame severe post-Covid complications to make the final list with AIR 112. In 2021, while preparing for the Civil Services interview in Delhi, Devanand contracted Covid-19 and developed critical lung damage. He spent nearly four months in the ICU on ECMO support at KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad, suffering two cardiac arrests during treatment.
Telangana Additional DGP (L&O) Mahesh M Bhagwat helped facilitate his airlift and treatment and later mentored him through recovery and preparation. “I can’t explain what I went through. I wouldn’t be here without the medical team and Mr Bhagwat,” said Devanand to the media, who now has his eyes set on the IAS.
The IFS examination is one of the toughest conducted by the UPSC and is part of India’s three All India Services, along with the IAS and IPS. It plays a crucial role in managing the country’s forests, biodiversity, and environment. The selection process included a written test held from November 24 to December 1, 2024, and Personality Tests conducted between April 21 and May 2, 2025.
Out of the 143 candidates recommended for appointment, the category-wise breakup includes 40 from the general category (including four persons with benchmark disabilities), 19 from the EWS category, 50 OBC, 23 SC, and 11 from the ST commnity. Appointments will be made based on the number of vacancies reported — 150 in total — and subject to eligibility verification.
“The strong representation of Telugu-speaking candidates this year shows a growing interest in forest services among aspirants in the two Telugu states. Many are now choosing IFS not just as a backup to the IAS or IPS, but for its unique role in managing India’s ecological resources,” said the founder of a coaching institute in the city.
