On May 13, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) welcomed its new Chairperson, Dr. Ajay Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. Succeeding Preeti Sudan, whose tenure ended on April 29, 2025, Kumar brings a wealth of experience from his transformative tenure as India’s Defence Secretary and a stellar academic journey that spans IIT Kanpur to the University of Minnesota. Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu, Kumar’s term, set to begin when he assumes office, will continue until October 1, 2027, or until he reaches 65, as per constitutional guidelines. Let’s dive into the inspiring story of this visionary leader who’s ready to shape the future of India’s civil services
Key Points:
- Appointment Date: May 13, 2025
- Tenure: Until October 1, 2027, or age 65
- Previous Role: Defence Secretary (2019–2022)
- Academic Roots: IIT Kanpur, University of Minnesota
🎓 From IIT Kanpur to the US: A Stellar Academic Journey
Dr. Ajay Kumar’s story begins at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he earned a BTech in Electrical Engineering. IIT Kanpur, ranked 5th in NIRF 2024 among engineering colleges and 278 globally in QS World University Rankings 2024, laid the foundation for his technical prowess. But Kumar didn’t stop there. His thirst for knowledge took him to the United States, where he pursued a Master’s in Applied Economics and a PhD in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. Completing both degrees in just three years, Kumar showcased his intellectual brilliance and set the stage for a remarkable career.
Key Points:
- BTech: Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur
- Master’s: Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
- PhD: Business Administration, Carlson School of Management
- Fun Fact: Finished Master’s and PhD in three years!
🛡️ Transforming India’s Defence Landscape
Before taking the UPSC helm, Kumar served as India’s Defence Secretary from August 2019 to October 2022, making him the longest-serving secretary in the Ministry of Defence. His tenure was marked by groundbreaking reforms that reshaped India’s military and industrial ecosystem. From spearheading the Agniveer recruitment scheme to establishing the Chief of Defence Staff post, Kumar drove modernization and self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He also played a pivotal role in managing the 2020 Galwan standoff with China and corporatizing the Ordnance Factory Board, earning accolades like the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kanpur and a Prime Minister’s citation.
Key Points:
- Major Reforms: Agniveer scheme, Chief of Defence Staff, Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Galwan Standoff: Key decision-maker in 2020 Indo-China tensions
- Awards: Distinguished Alumnus Award (IIT Kanpur), Champion of Change
- Impact: Longest-serving Defence Secretary in India
💻 A Tech-Savvy Bureaucrat: Digital India and Beyond
Kumar’s influence extends beyond defence. As a key figure in the Ministry of Electronics and IT, he contributed to flagship projects like UPI, Aadhaar, myGov, and the Government e-Marketplace, cementing India’s digital infrastructure. His expertise in technology and policy also earned him roles like Principal Secretary and Managing Director of KELTRON in Kerala, showcasing his versatility across state and central governance. Currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Kanpur, Kumar teaches a course on economic growth and geopolitics and advises startups in defence and tech.
Key Points:
- Digital India: Drove UPI, Aadhaar, and Government e-Marketplace
- Kerala Roles: Principal Secretary, MD of KELTRON
- Current Role: Visiting Professor at IIT Kanpur
- Mentorship: Advises startups in technology and defence
📰 A Voice of Insight: Thought Leadership
Beyond bureaucracy, Kumar is a prolific commentator on defence, strategy, and technology. His monthly column, “Off the Grid,” in Business Standard offers sharp insights, while his articles appear in leading Indian dailies. As a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers and a speaker at IITs, IIMs, and global think tanks like Carnegie India, Kumar bridges academia, policy, and industry. His appointment as UPSC Chairperson signals a focus on nurturing visionary civil servants.
Key Points:
- Column: “Off the Grid” in Business Standard
- Publications: Regular contributor to top Indian newspapers
- Speaking Engagements: IITs, IIMs, National Training Academies
- Affiliations: Nonresident Senior Fellow, Carnegie India
🌍 Why Ajay Kumar’s Leadership Matters
Dr. Ajay Kumar’s appointment as UPSC Chairperson is more than a bureaucratic milestone—it’s a promise of reform and excellence. With a career spanning 37 years, Kumar has transformed defence, technology, and governance. His academic rigor, from IIT Kanpur to Minnesota, and his hands-on leadership make him uniquely equipped to guide the UPSC, which conducts exams for India’s top civil services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. Social media buzz, with posts on X calling him a “trailblazer who never stopped learning,” reflects the excitement around his vision for the future.
Key Points:
- UPSC’s Role: Selects IAS, IPS, IFS officers
- Kumar’s Vision: Likely to emphasize merit, reform, and innovation
- Public Sentiment: X posts praise his relentless pursuit of excellence
- Legacy: 37 years of impactful policymaking
🚀 What’s Next for UPSC Under Kumar?
As UPSC Chairperson, Kumar is expected to steer the commission toward greater transparency and efficiency, building on his legacy of transformative governance. His experience in high-stakes roles suggests a focus on modernizing the civil services selection process, possibly integrating technology and strategic thinking into training. With two vacant member positions in the UPSC, Kumar’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the commission’s direction. Aspiring civil servants can look to his journey—from a small-town IITian to a global thought leader—as inspiration.
Key Points:
- Potential Reforms: Modernizing UPSC processes with technology
- Leadership Role: Filling UPSC member vacancies
- Inspiration: A role model for UPSC aspirants
- Term Details: Governed by Article 316(2) of the Constitution
🎉 A Trailblazer’s Legacy
Dr. Ajay Kumar’s journey from IIT Kanpur’s classrooms to the UPSC Chairperson’s office is a testament to hard work, vision, and service. Whether reforming India’s defence, powering Digital India, or mentoring future leaders, Kumar has left an indelible mark. As he takes on this new role, the nation watches with anticipation, eager to see how he’ll shape the next generation of civil servants. To UPSC aspirants: let Kumar’s story fuel your dreams—study hard, aim high, and serve boldly!
