UPSC announced the final results of the IFS Examination 2025 on May 8, recommending 148 candidates for appointment across various categories.
Hyderabad: The results of the UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025 have once again underscored the remarkable mentorship efforts of senior IPS officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat (1995 batch, Telangana cadre).
Out 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 programme.
The achievement becomes even more notable 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) announced 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 compiled 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 achieved 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 recognised among civil services aspirants for providing free mentorship, especially focused on interview preparation and personality development.
This year, 84 of the 148 recommended candidates attributed their success to his guidance, meaning more than half of all selected candidates benefited from his mentorship initiative.
His continued contribution has made him one of the most respected mentors in the UPSC preparation community.
AIR 1 for Three Consecutive Years
A striking 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 consecutive years:
- 2023 – AIR 1 mentored by Mahesh Bhagwat
- 2024 – AIR 1 mentored by Mahesh Bhagwat
- 2025 – Basavaraj Kempawad (AIR 1)
This rare achievement highlights 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 respected for combining an exemplary 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 guiding them through the personality test stage.
A Unique Contribution to Public Service
Bhagwat’s mentorship initiative demonstrates how experienced civil servants can contribute beyond their official responsibilities 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.