The academy was established in the year 1961 by the Government of Maharashtra as ‘Vanpal Prashikshak Vidyalaya’ i.e. Training School for Forest Officers. This training school, spread over 28 hectares, played an important role in training newly recruited officers till 1976. It was during this period, that the Central government decided to increase the scope of the institution, as a result, the Central Forest Officers’ College was established in 1976. The institute trained newly recruited forest officers from all the states of India.
In the year 2014, The Forest Department of Government of Maharashtra has decided to upgrade the standard and to develop Forest Training Institute, Chandrapur into State Forest Academy. Purpose is not only to conduct in- service training to forest officers but, through this Academy, to develop skilled manpower which is very much needed for the smooth management of forest property of the Maharashtra State. Keeping this vision, Chandrapur Forest Academy has planned with extended goal and purposes as compared to other Forest Academies in State and in other States of India.
Chandrapur Forest Academy's development work completed rapidly. Magnificent building of international standards and infrastructure facilities are developed. Advanced infrastructure facilities which are required for a training academy with residential facilities for trainees are also developed. With this, using latest information and technology, updated auditorium is also developed. Magnificence of this building speaks itself about the amplification of Forest Academy.
The State of Maharashtra has determined a complex function, purpose and goal for Chandrapur Forest Academy. The State of Maharashtra does not limit the scope of Chandrapur Forest Academy to training for its forest officers but also, given the mandates like educational, research and development, publicity, safety and conservation of wildlife. Before initiating this Forest Academy, a detailed study has been undertaken of forest administration and other reputed institutes, working in the field of forest research. Accordingly, it is being studied independently.