When the results of the UPSC Indian Forest Service Examination 2025 were announced, one name that stood out was Aman Ayushkar, who secured an impressive all-India rank of 27 in his very first attempt. His journey from Sahibganj, a small town in Jharkhand, to the prestigious Indian Forest Service is a story of purpose, disciplined preparation, and a deep interest in environmental governance.
Aman’s achievement is particularly noteworthy because it came after a successful engineering career and a challenging stint with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), where he worked on strategically important infrastructure projects in some of India’s most difficult terrains.
A Childhood Shaped by Aspirations
Born and raised in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, Aman completed his schooling at St Xavier’s School before pursuing civil engineering from Jadavpur University. He later earned a master’s degree in water resources from IIT Delhi and also cleared the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) in 2018.
His academic journey reflected a strong inclination towards engineering and public service. However, the seeds of civil services were planted much earlier.
“The idea of pursuing UPSC was deeply influenced by my father’s aspirations. His dream became a part of my upbringing,” Aman Ayushkar shared in a conversation with Indian Masterminds.
His father, a private tutor who also practises agriculture in Bihar’s Katihar district, had once appeared for the Bihar Public Service Commission personality test. Though he could not achieve his goal, the dream continued through his son. Aman’s mother is a homemaker who remained a constant source of encouragement throughout his journey.
From Border Roads Organization to Indian Forest Service
Before clearing the UPSC IFS 2025, Aman served in the Border Roads Organisation, one of India’s most important infrastructure agencies responsible for developing roads in strategically sensitive regions.
His exposure to senior officers during this period strengthened his desire to join the civil services. Another major influence was Prabal Garg, then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sahibganj, whose work introduced Aman to the field of ecological engineering and forest administration.
“During my tenure with the Border Roads Organisation, interactions with senior officers motivated me to seriously prepare for the civil services,” he recalls.
This combination of technical expertise, field exposure, and growing interest in environmental management eventually led him to choose the Indian Forest Service.
The Officer Behind the Kailash Mansarovar Road Project
One of the defining chapters of Aman’s professional career was his role as officer-in-charge of the Kailash Mansarovar Road project.
Following the Galwan crisis in 2020, the strategic importance of border infrastructure gained renewed attention. Aman led a team responsible for completing critical sections of the road connecting the Lipulekh region, near the Indo-Tibet-Nepal tri-junction.
The project significantly enhanced military mobility and logistical preparedness in the region.
“In the backdrop of heightened strategic requirements, our team completed the project within a record timeframe while working in extremely challenging terrain,” he says.
His contribution earned him the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command Commendation Card, a recognition that highlighted both leadership and technical competence.
Cracking UPSC IFS in the First Attempt
Unlike many aspirants who spend years navigating multiple attempts, Aman cleared the Indian Forest Service Examination in his very first attempt.
His strategy was straightforward but highly focused.
For the preliminary examination, he concentrated on the static portion while supplementing it with current affairs. Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) formed the backbone of his preparation.
For the Mains Examination, revision became the key differentiator. While his civil engineering option benefited from his engineering services background, he invested substantial time revising forestry repeatedly.
His interview preparation involved discussions with mentors, senior officers, and regular newspaper reading to develop balanced opinions on national issues.
“My preparation remained closely aligned with the examination requirements, and PYQs served as the guiding framework throughout the process,” he explains.
A Memorable Interview Before Lt General Raj Shukla
Aman’s interview board was chaired by Lieutenant General Raj Shukla, one of India’s most distinguished military leaders.
The discussion largely revolved around his experiences in the Border Roads Organisation, civil-military cooperation, and ecological concerns in high-altitude regions.
One question that particularly stood out concerned public resistance to infrastructure projects in border villages.
Drawing from his experience in the Vyas Valley, Aman respectfully disagreed with the assumption and highlighted how road connectivity had improved healthcare access, education, employment opportunities, and eco-tourism around Adi Kailash.
He also discussed afforestation initiatives and the broader objectives of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to strengthen development and citizen participation in border regions.
His practical experience and balanced perspective left a strong impression during the personality test.
Fitness: The Habit That Sustained Him
Beyond academics and professional responsibilities, Aman credits physical fitness for helping him maintain consistency during preparation.
A regular practitioner of weightlifting and resistance training, he believes fitness contributed significantly to his mental strength and discipline.
“My primary hobby is weightlifting. It taught me discipline, consistency, and the value of delayed gratification,” he says.
The demanding nature of UPSC preparation often leads aspirants to neglect their health, but Aman views physical and mental well-being as essential components of long-term success.
A Family’s Moment of Joy
The announcement of the UPSC IFS 2025 result brought immense happiness to the Ayushkar family.
Having resigned from his position in the Border Roads Organisation to focus on preparation, Aman understood the concerns his family carried throughout the process.
When the result was declared, he was with his sister, while his father in Bihar and younger sister studying at the University of Cambridge joined through a video call.
The relief was evident across the family.
For Aman, the result represented much more than a rank. It marked the successful conclusion of a demanding journey that required sacrifice, planning, and self-belief.
Advice for UPSC Aspirants
Having successfully navigated one of India’s toughest examinations, Aman offers practical advice to future candidates.
“One should not make UPSC the sole focus of life. Invest in overall personality development because it opens multiple avenues in the long run.”
He also emphasises the importance of consistency, effective use of technology, and maintaining physical and mental fitness throughout the preparation journey.
