Dr. Ajay Kumar, retired IAS officer of the 1985 Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India. He assumes office following the completion of Preeti Sudan’s tenure on April 29, 2025.
A Veteran of the Defence Ministry
Dr. Kumar is best known for being the longest-serving Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, where he also previously led the Department of Defence Production. He served as Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022, playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s defence capabilities through modernization and indigenization initiatives.
Academic Excellence
Dr. Kumar’s distinguished academic background adds further strength to his leadership:
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering – IIT Kanpur
M.A. in Development Economics – University of Minnesota, USA
Ph.D. in Business Administration – Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
He has received multiple academic fellowships and was conferred the title of Distinguished Alumnus by IIT Kanpur in recognition of his contributions to nation-building.
Broad Governance Experience
With over 30 years of administrative experience, Dr. Kumar has held key positions in both the Kerala state government and the Government of India. His work spans sectors such as defence, IT, and industry policy. As UPSC Chairman, he is eligible to serve until October 2027.
Dr. Kumar’s appointment is seen as a step toward reinforcing institutional strength and policy integrity in one of India’s most critical constitutional bodies.
