New Delhi, 13 May 2025: Former Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar (Retd IAS:1985:KL) was appointed as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday by the President of India under Article 316(1) of the Constitution. He succeeds Preety Sudan (Retd IAS:1983:AP), who completed her tenure as UPSC Chairperson on April 29, 2025.
Dr Kumar retired as Defence Secretary on October 31, 2022. In line with UPSC service conditions, he may continue in this prestigious constitutional role until October 2027. His appointment reflects a broader trend in governance where experienced civil servants are increasingly being entrusted with key constitutional and administrative roles, including positions such as governors and union ministers.
This development follows two recent appointments to the UPSC: Sujata Chaturvedi (IAS:1989:BH), Union Sports Secretary, and Anuradha Prasad (Retd IDES:1986), both inducted as members of the Commission.
The UPSC, responsible for conducting the annual civil services examination in three stages — preliminary, mains, and interview — is chaired by a chairperson and may include up to 10 members.
Also Read: UPSC gets new member as Anuradha Prasad takes oath
Also Read: Sujata Chaturvedi appointed as UPSC Member
Join Us on WhatsApp