Kenneth Chakma Clears Indian Forest Service, Adds to State’s Rising Civil Services Presence
Kenneth Chakma, a Senior Geologist with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has successfully cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination in a remarkable achievement that has brought widespread pride to Tripura, . Kenneth is son of secretary to Tripura government Uttam Kumar Chakma. Kenneth’s determination and perseverance exemplify the growing civil services ambition among youth in India’s northeastern states.
Kenneth’s success marks a significant milestone, not just for him and his family, but for the entire state, as more candidates from Tripura continue to crack the country’s toughest competitive exams. His journey stands as a testament to patience, academic excellence, and relentless focus.
A Journey Rooted in Academic Excellence
Born and raised in Tripura, Kenneth’s early education began at Holy Cross School in Agartala, after which he attended Vikas Vidyalaya in Visakhapatnam, a premier boarding school known for discipline and all-round development. He later earned a Master’s degree in Applied Geology from IIT Bombay, one of the country’s top institutions, establishing a solid academic foundation early in life.
Kenneth is also a GATE scholar and has qualified as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF)—honors that underline his proficiency in geosciences and research. He briefly enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, but chose to pause his research pursuits to chase a lifelong dream: serving the nation through the Indian civil services.
His role as a Senior Geologist at the GSI provided him with deep insights into India’s natural resources, further fueling his desire to transition into the Indian Forest Service, where environmental governance and sustainable management are key responsibilities.
Cracking UPSC’s Indian Forest Service
The Indian Forest Service, one of the three All India Services alongside the IAS and IPS, is known for its rigorous selection process. Kenneth cleared the examination on his fifth attempt, highlighting a remarkable journey of resilience. He will join the 2025 batch of IFoS officers and is set to begin his foundation course in September at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
Following this, he will undergo specialized forestry training at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, preparing for a future dedicated to forest conservation, biodiversity management, and sustainable development—critical areas in the face of climate change and ecological imbalance.
Family Pride and Statewide Recognition
Kenneth’s success is being celebrated widely in Tripura, especially in the Chakma community. His achievement is also deeply personal—his father, Uttam Kumar Chakma, is a serving IAS officer and Secretary in the Government of Tripura, making Kenneth’s entry into the All India Services a proud continuation of public service in the family.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with congratulations, with youth leaders, academicians, and public servants hailing Kenneth’s story as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future aspirants.
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Another Star From Tripura: Sagar Datta Majumdar
Kenneth is not alone in bringing laurels to the state this year. In another proud development, Sagar Datta Majumdar, also from Tripura, has successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, considered the most competitive exam in the country.
Sagar’s journey, while different in academic background, mirrors the same spirit of persistence and dedication. His success places him on the path to joining either the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), or other central services, depending on rank and cadre allocation.
Together, Kenneth and Sagar represent a growing trend of success stories emerging from Tripura and the Northeast. Their achievements reflect both the rising aspirations and the academic capability of youth from the region, who are increasingly stepping up to national roles in governance, administration, and public service.
As both prepare to enter their respective training academies later this year, their stories will continue to inspire a new generation of civil service aspirants across the state.
