Lieutenant General Sushil Chander Mahant has taken over 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. The move has drawn attention in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Katrain village in Kullu district and at Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira.
Background and education
Lt Gen Mahant is a native of Katrain village in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. His early schooling was at Government High School, Katrain, after which he 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.
Service profile
In a career spanning more than 35 years, Lt Gen Mahant has served in key command and staff appointments, with a strong focus on logistics and ordnance services. His appointments have included 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 also been professionally distinguished by securing first position in three Army courses and qualifying in high-altitude warfare at Gulmarg. The source notes that he has been an adventure enthusiast since his school days and that he has interests in kayaking, canoeing, skiing and water sports.
What the DGIT appointment covers
As Director General of Integrated Training, Lt Gen Mahant will oversee important aspects of the Indian Army’s training system. According to the source, his responsibilities include improving training standards, strengthening institutional capabilities, enhancing physical fitness, and promoting sports excellence, with the aim of developing a future-ready force.
His experience in logistics, strategic planning, administration and operational preparedness is expected to support the Army’s training ecosystem in this role.
The appointment is being seen locally as a matter of pride for Katrain, Kullu district and Himachal Pradesh. Lt Gen Mahant is also identified as the first officer from Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira, to attain the rank of Lieutenant General.
