New Delhi/Srinagar: Srinagar-born Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sana Fayaz has added another remarkable chapter to her inspiring journey by winning five prestigious awards at the convocation ceremony of the 2024 batch of the Indian Forest Service held at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun, on Saturday.
An officer of the AGMUT cadre, Sana is widely regarded as the first woman from the Kashmir Valley to join the Indian Forest Service as a direct recruit through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Her latest achievement not only reflects her academic excellence and professional competence but also serves as an inspiration for aspirants, particularly young women from Jammu and Kashmir.
The awards were presented by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadavduring the convocation ceremony.
Five Prestigious Awards for Outstanding Performance
During her training at IGNFA, Sana Fayaz distinguished herself across academics, fieldwork, and professional competence, earning five of the academy’s most prestigious honours.
She received:
- Dr. B.N. Ganguly Award for Academic Excellence
- Senior Forester Prize for Best Field Forester
- D.C. Agarwal Prize for Land Management and Soil Conservation
- Sulochana Naidu Memorial Prize
- K.P. Sagreya Shreshtha Vanik Puraskar
The recognition reflects her exceptional performance throughout the rigorous IFS training programme and places her among the standout officers of the 2024 batch.
A Historic First for Kashmir Valley
Sana Fayaz’s success carries historic significance beyond individual achievement.
She is believed to be the first woman from Kashmir Valley to enter the Indian Forest Service through the UPSC examination, breaking new ground for women from the region in one of India’s three prestigious All India Services, alongside the IAS and IPS.
Her accomplishment is expected to encourage more young aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir to consider careers in forestry, wildlife conservation, environmental governance and climate policy.
Message to Young Aspirants
Speaking after receiving the awards, Sana said she hopes her journey inspires more youth, especially women, to explore opportunities in the Indian Forest Service.
“I hope more women from Jammu and Kashmir choose the Indian Forest Service as a career. Many young people are still unaware of the opportunities the IFS offers, especially for those interested in forest and wildlife conservation, climate change, disaster management, pollution, and other environmental challenges,” she said.
She highlighted that the service offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to environmental protection and sustainable development.
A Journey Marked by Perseverance
A resident of Peer Bagh in Srinagar, Ms Sana has consistently excelled in competitive examinations.
She secured All India Rank 12 in the Indian Forest Service Examination (UPSC-2023), emerging among the country’s top-performing candidates.
Her journey, however, was far from straightforward.
After initial unsuccessful attempts in both the UPSC Civil Services Examination and the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), Sana continued preparing with determination.
Her perseverance paid off in 2021 when she cleared both examinations. She secured fourth rank in the JKAS examination and also qualified the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021, joining the Indian Trade Service (ITS)as an Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade.
Despite already securing a prestigious central service, her passion for environmental conservation motivated her to continue preparing for the Indian Forest Service.
That determination culminated in her securing AIR 12 and eventually joining the IFS.
Educational Background
IFS Sana’s academic journey reflects her longstanding commitment to environmental studies.
She completed her schooling at Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Srinagar, before pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar.
Driven by her interest in climate and sustainability, she later completed a postgraduate degree in Climate Change Studies, strengthening her academic foundation for a career in environmental governance.
Posted to Jammu & Kashmir Cadre
Following the successful completion of her training at IGNFA, Sana Fayaz has been officially posted to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, where she will begin her field career as an Indian Forest Service officer.
Her appointment comes at a time when issues such as biodiversity conservation, forest management, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management have become increasingly important.
Union Minister Congratulates New IFS Officers
Addressing the convocation ceremony, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav congratulated the graduating probationers and described them as future custodians of India’s forests, wildlife and ecological heritage.
He expressed confidence that the new batch of officers would play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through scientific forest management, environmental conservation and sustainable development.
For Sana Fayaz, the convocation marks yet another milestone in an already remarkable journey—one defined by perseverance, academic excellence and an unwavering commitment to protecting India’s natural heritage. Her success is likely to inspire a new generation of civil services aspirants from Jammu & Kashmir, particularly women, to pursue careers in environmental leadership and public service.
