Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His appointment comes after the tenure of Preeti Sudan ended on April 29, leaving the position vacant. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions issued formal orders, following the approval of President Droupadi Murmu.

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

The UPSC is responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for various civil services, including the IAS, IFS, and IPS. The Commission comprises a Chairman and ten members, two of whose positions are currently vacant.

As per the rules, the tenure of the UPSC Chairman is six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.