Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar appointed UPSC chief

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Updated At : 03:00 AM May 15, 2025 IST

Photo for representational purpose only.

Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has been appointed chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), according to a Union Personnel Ministry order.

The post fell vacant after the completion of Preeti Sudan's tenure on April 29. Kumar's appointment was cleared by President Droupadi Murmu, according to the order issued late on Tuesday.

Kumar was Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022, according to his service record.

The UPSC which conducts civil services examinations to select officers for the IAS, Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service, among others, is headed by a chairman and can have a maximum of 10 members.

A UPSC chairman is appointed for a term of six years or until attaining 65 years of age.

Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar appointed UPSC chief

Tribune News Service

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