Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar Takes Helm as UPSC Chairman
Ajay Kumar, a retired 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and former Defence Secretary, has been appointed the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His appointment was cleared by President Droupadi Murmu. Kumar, who served as Defence Secretary from August 2019 to October 2022, succeeds Preeti Sudan, whose tenure ended on April 29. He brings extensive administrative experience to the crucial constitutional body.
Unpacked:
The UPSC is India’s premier central recruitment agency responsible for selecting candidates for key civil services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. Its main functions include conducting competitive exams, recruiting officers via interviews, making appointments through promotion or deputation, formulating recruitment rules, and advising the government on service-related matters.
Ajay Kumar is a retired 1985-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre. He served as Defence Secretary from August 2019 to October 2022 and has been involved in important defence reforms. He holds a BTech in electrical engineering from IIT Kanpur.
The UPSC Chairman is appointed by the President of India. The tenure is either six years or until the appointee reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first. The Chairman must have at least 10 years of experience in central or state services.
The UPSC Chairman oversees the recruitment of top civil servants who implement government policies and run the country’s administration. Their decisions shape the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of India’s bureaucracy, directly influencing governance and public service delivery.