Rushal Garg, IFS: From Thapar University to the Ministry of External Affairs
In a world where engineering graduates often pursue high-paying corporate careers, a few choose a path defined by service, responsibility, and a larger purpose. The story of Rushal Garg, an officer of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), is one such journey one that reflects determination, adaptability, and a commitment to nation-building.
Early Life and Education
Rushal Garg completed his Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Thapar University, Patiala. His academic years helped develop the analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities that would later become valuable assets in public administration.
Like many young engineers, he initially chose the corporate route. He moved to Bengaluru and began his professional career as a Business Analyst, working in the private sector for nearly two years. The experience exposed him to data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and organizational management. However, despite a promising career trajectory, he felt a deeper calling toward public service.
The Decision That Changed Everything
Choosing to leave a stable corporate job and prepare for one of India's toughest examinations is never easy. Yet, Rushal Garg made that choice with clarity and conviction.
After dedicated preparation, he successfully cleared the Indian Forest Service Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), securing an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 58 in the 2017 examination. He subsequently joined the 2018 batch of the Indian Forest Service under the AGMUT cadre.
His achievement serves as a reminder that career transitions, when driven by purpose and perseverance, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Serving in Challenging Field Assignments
The role of an Indian Forest Service officer extends far beyond the protection of forests. Officers today work at the intersection of environmental conservation, public administration, wildlife management, and sustainable development.
As part of the AGMUT cadre, Rushal Garg served in various capacities associated with Jammu and Kashmir, one of the most demanding administrative environments in the country. His responsibilities reportedly included field-level administration, forest protection initiatives, and engagement with local communities on conservation-related issues.
These experiences helped shape his understanding of governance at the grassroots level, where policy decisions directly affect people's lives.
A New Chapter in National Service
In April 2024, Rushal Garg was deputed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as Under Secretary (ED), marking an important milestone in his professional journey. The assignment demonstrated the increasing diversity of opportunities available within India's civil services.
Working within the Ministry of External Affairs requires a unique blend of administrative efficiency, policy understanding, and coordination across multiple stakeholders. His appointment reflected confidence in his capabilities beyond traditional forestry administration.
Recognizing the importance of continuity in his responsibilities, the Government of India approved the extension of his deputation until April 2027, allowing him to continue contributing to key assignments within the ministry.
The Value of Adaptability in Public Service
One of the defining aspects of Rushal Garg's career has been adaptability.
From engineering classrooms to Bengaluru's corporate offices, from field postings in Jammu and Kashmir to policy responsibilities in New Delhi, his journey demonstrates that leadership often requires stepping beyond one's comfort zone.
His professional path reflects a broader reality of modern governance: today's civil servants are expected to navigate complex challenges that demand interdisciplinary thinking, effective communication, and a willingness to learn continuously.
Lessons for Young Professionals and UPSC Aspirants
Rushal Garg's journey offers valuable insights for aspiring civil servants and professionals contemplating a career shift.
1. Your Starting Point Does Not Define Your Destination
An engineering degree and corporate experience did not limit his aspirations. Instead, they became strengths that complemented his administrative responsibilities.
2. Purpose Drives Persistence
Preparing for UPSC examinations requires discipline, patience, and resilience. A clear sense of purpose often becomes the strongest source of motivation during difficult phases.
3. Adaptability Is a Leadership Skill
Whether working in forests, handling district-level responsibilities, or contributing to policy frameworks in New Delhi, the ability to adapt remains essential.
4. Public Service Is About Impact
Civil services provide an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation, governance, diplomacy, and community welfare. The work may be demanding, but its impact extends far beyond individual achievement.
Conclusion
Rushal Garg's story is not simply about clearing a prestigious examination. It is about making a conscious decision to pursue meaningful work in service of the nation.
His transition from the corporate world to the Indian Forest Service, his experiences in challenging field assignments, and his subsequent responsibilities within the Ministry of External Affairs illustrate the diverse possibilities that exist within public administration.
For young professionals considering unconventional paths and for UPSC aspirants striving toward their dreams, his journey stands as a powerful example of what determination, adaptability, and a commitment to public service can achieve.
In an era where environmental sustainability and effective governance have become national priorities, officers who combine technical expertise with administrative competence will continue to play a vital role. Rushal Garg's career is a reflection of that evolving leadership.
