Lt Gen Sushil Chander Mahant Takes Charge as DG Integrated Training in New Delhi
Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant, who hails from Katrain village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, has taken charge as Director General of Integrated Training (DGIT) at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi. He assumed the appointment on 1 November 2026.
His elevation has drawn particular attention in Himachal Pradesh and in the institutions associated with his early education, especially Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira. Lt Gen Mahant is the first officer from that school to rise to the rank of Lieutenant General.
From Katrain to the Army’s senior ranks
Lt Gen Mahant began his schooling at Government High School, Katrain, before moving on to Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira. He joined the National Defence Academy in January 1988 and was commissioned into the Indian Army from the Indian Military Academy in December 1991.
He later attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence College, New Delhi, adding to a professional profile built across military education institutions that are central to higher command training and strategic leadership in the Army.
More than 35 years in service
Over a career spanning more than 35 years, Lt Gen Mahant has served in a range of important command and staff roles, with much of his experience concentrated in logistics and ordnance services. Among the appointments mentioned in his record are Commanding Officer of 11 Field Ordnance Depot, Brigadier Ordnance of a Strike Corps, and Major General Ordnance Services of an Army Command responsible for the northern frontier with China.
His service record also reflects strong professional performance. He secured first position in three Army courses and completed high-altitude warfare training at Gulmarg, a qualification that is especially relevant to service in demanding terrain and operational environments.
Outside formal duties, he has long been associated with adventure sports. According to the source, he has been an adventure enthusiast since his school days and has interests in kayaking, canoeing, skiing and water sports.
Responsibilities in the new appointment
As DGIT, Lt Gen Mahant will be responsible for important elements of the Indian Army’s training architecture. His role includes improving training standards, strengthening institutional capabilities, enhancing physical fitness and promoting sports excellence. The broader aim is to help shape a force that is prepared for future requirements.
His background in logistics, strategic planning, administration and operational preparedness is expected to support the training establishment in carrying out these responsibilities.
The appointment has been widely noted as a matter of pride for Katrain, Kullu district and Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the path of a local student from a government school and Sainik School to one of the senior leadership positions in the Indian Army.
