Hyderabad: The results of the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025 have once again highlighted the extraordinary mentorship efforts of senior IPS officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat (1995 batch, Telangana cadre).
Of the 148 candidates recommended for appointment to the prestigious Indian Forest Service, an impressive 84 successful candidates received interview guidance under Bhagwat’s mentorship initiative.
The achievement becomes even more remarkable as candidates mentored by Bhagwat have now secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the Indian Forest Service examination for three consecutive years — 2023, 2024 and 2025.
UPSC Declares IFS Examination 2025 Results
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the final results of the Indian Forest Service Examination 2025 on May 8, recommending 148 candidates for appointment across various categories.
The final merit list was prepared based on:
- Written examination conducted from November 16 to 23, 2025
- Personality Test/Interview held from April 6 to April 15, 2026
Basavaraj Kempawad Secures AIR 1
Basavaraj Dhareppa Kempawad secured the All India Rank 1 in the Indian Forest Service Examination 2025.
The top three ranks were:
- Basavaraj Dhareppa Kempawad – AIR 1
- Anshuman Kumar Singh – AIR 2
- Siddharth – AIR 3
84 Successful Candidates Benefited from Mahesh Bhagwat’s Guidance
Mahesh Bhagwat has become widely known among civil services aspirants for offering free mentorship, particularly focused on interview preparation and personality development.
This year, 84 of the 148 recommended candidates credited his guidance, meaning that more than half of all selected candidates benefited from his mentorship initiative.
His sustained contribution has made him one of the most respected mentors in the UPSC preparation community.
AIR 1 for Three Consecutive Years
A standout aspect of Bhagwat’s mentoring record is that candidates guided by him have secured the top rank in the Indian Forest Service examination for three years in a row:
- 2023 – AIR 1 mentored by Mahesh Bhagwat
- 2024 – AIR 1 mentored by Mahesh Bhagwat
- 2025 – Basavaraj Kempawad (AIR 1)
This rare accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of his structured interview guidance.
Who Is Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat?
Mahesh Bhagwat is a senior IPS officer currently serving as DGP (Law and Order). He is widely admired for combining an outstanding policing career with a long-standing commitment to mentoring UPSC aspirants free of cost.
Over the years, hundreds of successful candidates across services such as IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS have acknowledged his role in helping them prepare for the personality test stage.
A Unique Contribution to Public Service
Bhagwat’s mentorship initiative demonstrates how experienced civil servants can contribute beyond their official duties by helping shape the next generation of public servants.
For many aspirants, his guidance has become an important source of motivation, confidence and strategic preparation.
