Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant, a native of Katrain village in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, has assumed charge as Director General of Integrated Training (DGIT) at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), New Delhi. He took over the appointment on 1 November 2026.
The appointment is a significant milestone for Himachal Pradesh and particularly for Katrain and Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira. Lt Gen Mahant is the first officer from Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira, to attain the rank of Lieutenant General.
Early life and education
Lt Gen Mahant completed his early schooling at Government High School, Katrain, and subsequently studied at 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 is also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence College, New Delhi.
Distinguished service career
Over more than 35 years of service, Lt Gen Mahant has held key command and staff appointments primarily in the domain of logistics and ordnance services. These include Commanding Officer of 11 Field Ordnance Depot, Brigadier Ordnance of a Strike Corps, and Major General Ordnance Services of a strategically important Army Command responsible for the northern frontier with China.
He has distinguished himself professionally, securing first position in three Army courses and qualifying in high-altitude warfare at Gulmarg. An adventure enthusiast since his school days, he has interests in kayaking, canoeing, skiing and water sports.
Role as DGIT
As Director General of Integrated Training, Lt Gen Mahant will oversee key aspects of the Indian Army’s training system. His responsibilities include improving training standards, strengthening institutional capabilities, enhancing physical fitness, and promoting sports excellence, with the objective of developing a future-ready force.
His extensive experience in logistics, strategic planning, administration and operational preparedness is expected to contribute significantly to the Army’s training ecosystem.
The appointment has been widely reported as a matter of pride for the people of Katrain, Kullu district and Himachal Pradesh, illustrating the journey of a local resident from a government high school and Sainik School to a senior leadership position in the Indian Army.
