Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar appointed as UPSC chairperson

ANI May 14, 2025 283 views

Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed as the new UPSC chairperson. The Kerala cadre IAS officer succeeds Preeti Sudan, whose tenure ended in April. President Droupadi Murmu approved Kumar's appointment under constitutional provisions. Meanwhile, Sujata Chaturvedi also took oath as a new UPSC member.

"The President is pleased to appoint Dr. Ajay Kumar as Chairman, Union Public Service Commission" – Union Personnel Ministry
Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar appointed as UPSC chairperson
New Delhi, May 14: Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), according to an official order issued by the government of India. His appointment has been cleared by President Droupadi Murmu.

Key Points

1

Ajay Kumar succeeds Preeti Sudan as UPSC chief

2

Kerala cadre IAS officer from 1985 batch

3

Appointment approved by President Murmu

4

Sujata Chaturvedi also joins as new UPSC member

Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Kerala cadre from the 1985 batch, succeeded Preeti Sudan, a former Union Health Secretary and 1983 batch IAS officer whose tenure as the UPSC chairperson ended on April 29 this year. She was appointed on August 1, 2025.

"The President is pleased to appoint Dr. Ajay Kumar as Chairman, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Article 316(1) of the Constitution of India," the order issued by the Union Personnel Ministry read.

"The tenure of Dr. Ajay Kumar, as Chairman, UPSC, will commence from the date he enters upon the office of Chairman, UPSC. The term of his appointment will be regulated in accordance with the provisions of Article 316(2) of the Constitution of India, and the conditions of service will be governed by UPSC (Members) Regulations, 1969, as amended from time to time," it further read.

Over a week ago, Sujata Chaturvedi, former secretary of the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, assumed charge as a member of the UPSC.

Sujata Chaturvedi, former secretary of the Department of Sports and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, took the oath of office and secrecy as a member of the UPSC.

The oath was administered by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd.), the seniormost Member of the Commission, UPSC said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Excellent choice! Dr. Ajay Kumar's experience in defense will bring much-needed strategic thinking to UPSC. Hope he can reform the exam pattern to make it more practical-oriented. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While his credentials are impressive, I hope the new chairman focuses on making UPSC exams more accessible to rural candidates. The current system favors urban coaching centers too much.
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Arjun S.
Good to see experienced bureaucrats getting these important posts. But I wonder when we'll see more young faces in such positions? The system needs fresh perspectives too.
S
Sunita T.
His defense background is interesting for UPSC! Maybe he can introduce more national security-related topics in the syllabus. These are crucial for future administrators in today's world.
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Vikram J.
Hope he reduces the exam stress for lakhs of aspirants. The current system takes too heavy a mental toll on young Indians. UPSC should value well-rounded personalities, not just bookish knowledge.
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Neha P.
Congratulations to Dr. Kumar! 👏 His Kerala cadre experience might bring good insights about implementing policies in diverse Indian conditions. Looking forward to positive changes in the examination system.

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Tags:
UPSC Ajay Kumar Preeti Sudan Droupadi Murmu Civil Services IAS