The Senior IRS Officer Entrusted With the Challenging Responsibility Keeping in View His Long Lasting Successful Bureaucratic Journey
1988-batch IRS officer is to continue at the helm of India’s direct tax administration amid ongoing digital reforms and compliance initiatives.
In a key move to maintain leadership continuity during a crucial phase of ongoing tax reforms, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the reappointment of Mr. Ravi Agrawal as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a period of one year. His new term will begin on July 1, 2025, and extend until June 30, 2026, or until further orders, on a contractual re-employment basis.
Experienced Leadership in Tax Reforms
Mr. Agrawal, a 1988-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), assumed charge as CBDT Chairman in June 2024, succeeding Nitin Gupta (1986 batch). Prior to this, he served as Member (Administration) in the CBDT from July 2023, where he played a vital role in human resource management, inter-departmental coordination, and policy implementation.
Over the course of his 30-year career, Mr. Agrawal has earned a reputation for championing technology-driven tax administration, streamlining processes, and expanding the taxpayer base. His calm, reform-oriented leadership style has been widely appreciated.
Key Reforms Under His Leadership
During his ongoing tenure, Mr. Agrawal has led several high-impact reforms:
Digital Tax Ecosystem: Integration of AI, automation, and data analytics in return scrutiny and risk profiling.
Taxpayer-Friendly Measures: Faster processing of refunds, enhanced grievance redressal, and rollout of faceless appeals.
HR Reforms: Improved training, skill development, and career progression mechanisms in the Income Tax Department.
Litigation Reduction: Focused push on timely resolution of disputes and reducing case backlogs through settlement schemes.
Strategic Reappointment Ahead of Budget 2026
With the 2026 Union Budget on the horizon, Mr. Agrawal’s reappointment is seen as a move to ensure stability at the helm of India’s apex direct tax authority.
His continued leadership is expected to drive forward key initiatives, including:
Cross-border tax compliance enhancements
Integration of blockchain and generative AI in tax operations
Simplifying tax payment systems for MSMEs and individual taxpayers
Boosting voluntary compliance and domestic revenue mobilization
Official Notification and Service Conditions
As per the official government notification, Mr. Agrawal’s reappointment is subject to standard terms applicable to re-employed Central Government officers. This ensures institutional continuity at a time when India’s tax administration is undergoing rapid modernization.
About CBDT
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the apex policy-making body for direct taxes under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It supervises the Income Tax Department and plays a key role in formulating tax policies, enforcing compliance, and mobilizing revenue. The Chairman of CBDT holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India and is a central figure in India’s fiscal and economic governance.
Mr. Agrawal’s reappointment reinforces the government’s commitment to a transparent, tech-driven, and citizen-centric tax regime.
