Who is Dr Ajay Kumar? The Newly Appointed UPSC Chairman

Dr Ajay Kumar Appointed as New UPSC Chairman

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Dr Ajay Kumar as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the central recruiting agency responsible for selecting officers into India’s premier civil services including the IAS, IPS, and IFS.

Dr Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 batch from the Kerala cadre, brings with him decades of administrative experience. He notably served as the Defence Secretary of India from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022.

His appointment comes following the completion of Preeti Sudan’s tenure as UPSC Chairperson on April 29. According to the official order issued by the Union Personnel Ministry, Dr Kumar’s tenure will begin from the date he assumes charge.

Born on October 2, 1962, Dr Ajay Kumar will serve either for a term of six years or until he reaches the age of 65, whichever comes earlier.

The UPSC is currently operating with two vacancies among its member positions. The commission, which can have up to ten members, plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of India’s bureaucratic structure through rigorous selection processes.

With his vast experience in governance and strategic roles at the highest levels, Dr Kumar’s appointment is expected to bring valuable insight and direction to the UPSC’s functioning.