UPSC’s New Chairman: Ajay Kumar Brings Defence Precision to Civil Selection

Updated: May 14, 2025 12:51

Image Source: The Economic Times

Dr. Ajay Kumar, a senior retired Defence Secretary and 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has been named the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The appointment, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, plugs the position that had fallen vacant following Preeti Sudan's stint ending on April 29, 2025. Dr. Kumar has decades of high-ranking administrative experience and an impeccable record of trailblazing reforms with India's top recruitment body for civil services.

Appointment Details

Dr. Ajay Kumar was appointed as UPSC Chairman by an official order of the Union Personnel Ministry and cleared by President Droupadi Murmu.
His term will continue until October 2027, when he reaches 65 years, or for six years from the date of his taking office, whichever is sooner.
He takes over from Preeti Sudan, ex-Union Health Secretary, whose term expired on April 29, 2025.

Professional Background

Ajay Kumar, a retired IAS officer belonging to the Kerala cadre of the 1985 batch.
Served as India's Defence Secretary from August 2019 to Oct 2022, guiding landmark defence reforms such as:
Establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff position (2020)
Introduction of the Agniveer recruitment program (2022)
AtmaNirbhar Bharat programs in defence
Ordnance Factories corporatisation

Contributions to Digital India

As a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Electronics and IT, Dr. Kumar had a crucial role in rolling out major Digital India initiatives:
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Aadhaar digital identity system
myGov citizen engagement platform
Government e-Marketplace

Academic Credentials

Has a BTech from IIT Kanpur
Did a PhD in Business Administration and MS in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota and finished both in a mere three years.
Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers.

Other Administrative Positions

Occupied crucial positions at the central government as well as at the government of Kerala state, such as Principal Secretary and KELTRON Managing Director, which he is credited to revive.
Coordinated with governments governed by various parties, proving non-partisan in his administrative life.

Regarding UPSC

The UPSC provides civil service tests for employment as IAS, IFS, IPS, etc., officers.
The commission is chaired by a Chairman and can consist of a maximum of 10 members; there are two vacancies for members at present.
Appointment of the Chairman is regulated under Article 316 of the Indian Constitution.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Indian Express, Free Press Journal, Indian Mandarins, NDTV

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! A Presidential Pat on the Back: Murmu Honours India’s Veterinary Trailblazers