The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has named Ajay Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1985 batch, as its chairman. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Kumar, the former Defence Secretary of India, had been appointed in accordance with the Union Personnel Ministry decision.

The order issued by Deputy Secretary Sushant Ranjan said that Draupadi Murmu, the President of India, had approved Kumar’s appointment. According to his service records, he was a Kerala Cadre officer who held the position of defense secretary from August 23, 2019, until October 31, 2022.

The Department of Personnel and Training announced on May 13 that Kumar will take over for Preeti Sudan, whose term ended on April 29.

According to the appointment letter, “Dr. Ajay Kumar’s term as Chairman will begin on the day he assumes the position of Chairman, UPSC.” The UPSC (Members) Regulations, 1969, as revised from time to time, shall control the terms of his service, while Article 316(2) of the Indian Constitution would govern the duration of his appointment.

Ajay Kumar is who?
Kumar, one of the most senior officials, is recognized for his revolutionary defense sector reforms. Since he was the driving force behind the establishment of the Chief of Defense Staff position, Kumar is commended for his outstanding initiative in the defense. He was the driving force behind the corporatization of Ordnance Factories, the Agniveer plan, and the AtmaNirbhar Bharat projects.