Ajay Kumar Appointed as New UPSC Chairman

Ajay Kumar has been appointed as the new chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by President Droupadi Murmu. A retired IAS officer, Kumar has held significant positions, including Secretary of Defence. Alongside him, Anuradha Prasad has also been sworn in as a UPSC member. This article explores their backgrounds and the crucial role UPSC plays in selecting candidates for India's civil services. Discover more about this important appointment and its implications for the future of civil service examinations in India.

By Ambika Singh May 14, 2025, 10:03 IST

New Leadership at UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has a new chairman. Dr. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, has appointed Ajay Kumar, a former defense secretary and senior administrator, to this prestigious position. The role became vacant on April 29 after the term of the previous chairperson, Preeti Sudan, concluded.

Who is Ajay Kumar?

Ajay Kumar is a retired IAS officer from the 1985 batch, having held several significant positions throughout his administrative career. He served in the Kerala cadre and was the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022. He is recognized for his administrative expertise and strategic decision-making skills.

Anuradha Prasad Also Sworn In

In addition, former bureaucrat Anuradha Prasad took an oath as a member of the UPSC on Friday. She is a 1986 batch officer from the Odisha cadre and has made substantial contributions during her service. Anuradha holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a master's degree in History from Delhi University. Furthermore, she has obtained a master's degree in Development Administration from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

Role of UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting India's most prestigious civil services examination, which selects candidates for the IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), and various other central services.

The President of India appoints the UPSC chairman, as per Article 316(1) of the Constitution. At least half of the members must have a minimum of ten years of experience in public service under the Government of India or state governments, either in active service or retired. The President has the authority to remove members from their positions. It is noteworthy that UPSC members serve for a term of six years from their appointment date or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first. For members of state commissions or joint commissions, the age limit is 62 years.