UPSC Gets New Chairman: Ajay Kumar Appointed After Preeti Sudan’s Tenure

Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This appointment follows the completion of Preeti Sudan’s tenure on April 29, which left the post vacant. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued formal orders regarding Ajay Kumar’s appointment, which has been approved by President Droupadi Murmu.

Ajay Kumar belongs to the 1985 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the Kerala cadre. He served as the Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022.

The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations for recruitment into various civil services including the IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), and IPS (Indian Police Service), among others. The Commission is headed by a Chairman and includes ten members. Currently, two of these member positions are vacant.

The tenure of the UPSC Chairman is fixed for six years or until the individual attains the age of 65 years, whichever comes earlier.