On May 15, 2025, Dr. Ajay Kumar took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The oath was administered by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), the senior-most member of the Commission. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kumar brings a wealth of experience in public administration and technology-driven governance to this prestigious role.
Academic and Professional Journey
A Blend of Technical and Administrative Expertise
Dr. Ajay Kumar holds a B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and advanced degrees from the University of Minnesota, USA, including an M.S. in Applied Economics and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management. In recognition of his contributions, he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy by Amity University in 2019.
As a 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala Cadre, Dr. Kumar has held pivotal roles in both state and central governments, showcasing his versatility and leadership.
Key Contributions to Governance
Driving Innovation in Public Service
Dr. Kumar’s career is marked by significant contributions to e-Governance and public administration. In Kerala, he served as Managing Director, Electronics and Information Technology Department, and Principal Secretary, Information Technology Department. At the central level, his notable positions include Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Secretary, Defence Production, and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
He pioneered several transformative initiatives, including:
- Jeevan Pramaan: Digital life certificates for pensioners.
- myGov: A platform for citizen engagement with the government.
- Pragati: A video-conferencing system for the Prime Minister to monitor projects.
- Bio-metric Attendance System: Enhancing accountability in government offices.
- Cloud First Policy: Promoting the use of cloud services in government operations.
Awards and Recognitions
A Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Kumar’s contributions have been widely recognized. He received the Silver Elephant medallion by the National Scouts and Guides in 1994, the Electronics Leader of the Year award in 2012, the Technovation Sarabhai Award in 2015, and the Champion of Change award in 2017 for his efforts in promoting electronics and consumer appliances industries.
Key Facts About Dr. Ajay Kumar and UPSC
- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants and other key government officials.
- Dr. Kumar’s appointment as UPSC Chairman on May 15, 2025, marks a new chapter in his distinguished IAS career.
- His expertise in e-Governance has modernized public administration through initiatives like Jeevan Pramaan and myGov.
- Dr. Kumar’s academic credentials include degrees from IIT Kanpur and the University of Minnesota.
- His leadership in the Ministry of Defence strengthened India’s defense production capabilities.