Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar appointed new UPSC Chairman by President Murmu

Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary and a retired 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The appointment was approved by President Droupadi Murmu under Article 316(1) of the Constitution, as per an official order issued on Tuesday.

The UPSC chairman’s post became vacant following the completion of Preeti Sudan’s tenure on April 29, 2025. Sudan, a former Health Secretary, had assumed charge as UPSC chief in July 2024 after Manoj Soni stepped down from the post. Sudan’s appointment came following Soni’s resignation, which occurred five years before his scheduled term ended.

Dr. Ajay Kumar served as India’s Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022. Prior to that, he held several key administrative positions in the central government and in his cadre state. His appointment to the UPSC is for a term of six years or until he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier, in accordance with the rules governing the Commission.

The UPSC is a constitutional body responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination and selecting officers for various services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). It also handles promotions, deputations, and disciplinary cases for civil servants. The Commission is composed of a chairman and up to ten members.

At present, two posts of members are vacant in the Commission. Ajay Kumar’s tenure as chairman will officially commence on the day he assumes charge. His appointment comes at a time when the Commission is preparing for upcoming examinations and managing its existing selection procedures.