UPSC Chairman 2025 Dr. Ajay Kumar, Check UPSC Chairmen List (1926-2025)

The UPSC Chairman in 2025 is Dr. Ajay Kumar, who will officially take charge in May 2025. He is appointment to this position has been announced by an official notice on May 13th issued by the Department of Personnel and Training. Dr. Ajay Kumar replaced Mrs. Preeti Sudan, who retired on April 29, 2025.

UPSC New Chairman Ajay Kumar’s tenure will commence from the date on which he enters upon the office of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Known for his strong leadership and reforms in defence and administration, his appointment as UPSC Chairperson is expected to bring more efficiency in civil services.

New UPSC Chairman 2025: Dr. Ajay Kumar

Dr. Ajay Kumar will be appointed as Chairman of UPSC as per the notice issued on May 13, 2025. He is a retired 1985-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre. Before this, he served as the Defence Secretary of India and played a key role in strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing and technology sectors.

Dr. Kumar is known for his leadership, integrity, and forward-thinking mindset. His wide administrative experience is expected to bring reform and innovation in UPSC’s recruitment process. With this change, UPSC aspirants can hope for a more streamlined and transparent examination system.

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List of UPSC Chairmen from 1926-2025

The UPSC was set up in 1926, and since then, many distinguished personalities have led the commission. Here’s the full list of UPSC Chairpersons from 1926 to 2025:

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UPSC Members List 2025

UPSC is composed of the Chairperson and other members. They handle responsibilities like conducting exams, evaluating candidates, and suggesting reforms. Here’s the list of UPSC Members in 2025, other than the UPSC Chairman:

UPSC Chairman Appointment Process

The President of India appoints the UPSC Chairperson under Article 316 of the Constitution. Normally, the most senior member or a highly experienced bureaucrat is selected for this coveted post. The President also decides the number of members and the service conditions of the Commission. Here are the key points:

• There is no set qualification criterion; however, at least half of the UPSC members, including the Chairman, must have held government office for 10 years or more before their appointment.
• Once a person completes their term as Chairman, they cannot be reappointed or take up further government employment.
• If the position falls vacant, the President assigns a current member to act as Chairman until a new one is appointed.

UPSC Chairman Tenure

The tenure of a UPSC Chairman is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. This rule ensures that the post remains dynamic and not influenced by extended control or political influence. The Chairman can resign by submitting a written notice to the President. After completing their term, they are not eligible for reappointment.

UPSC Chairman Salary

The salary of the UPSC Chairman is fixed and comes under the central government pay rules. As of 2025, the monthly salary is fixed at ₹2,50,000 as per Level 17 of the Seventh Pay Commission (annual salary of ₹30 lakhs). This is at par with the Cabinet Secretary, India’s top civil servant. Apart from salary, the Chairperson also receives:

• Official residence
• Car and driver
• Staff assistance
• Medical facilities
• Travel allowances

Further, the salary of the UPSC Chairman is charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, not subject to a vote of Parliament. 

Roles and Functions of UPSC Chairman

The Chairman of UPSC plays a crucial role in the functioning of the commission. Here are the roles and functions of the UPSC Chairman:

1. Head of the Commission: The Chairman is the head of the UPSC and represents the commission in all official matters. 
2. Presiding over Meetings: The Chairman presides over the meetings of the UPSC to discuss various matters related to the recruitment process, policy decisions, and other administrative issues.
3. Conducting Examinations: The UPSC conducts several examinations, such as the Civil Services Examination (for IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.). The Chairman ensures that these examinations are conducted fairly and transparently.
4. Setting Exam Syllabus and Pattern: The Chairman, along with other members of the commission, is involved in deciding the syllabus and examination pattern for various UPSC exams. 
5. Evaluation and Result Declaration: After the examinations are conducted, the Chairman oversees the evaluation process and the declaration of results. 
6. Recruitment Process: The UPSC Chairman is responsible for overseeing the entire recruitment process, from the issuance of recruitment notifications to the final selection of candidates.
7. Policy Formulation: The Chairman, along with other members, contributes to the formulation of policies related to the recruitment process and the functioning of the UPSC. 
8. Handling Grievances: The Chairman may be involved in addressing grievances or complaints from candidates or other stakeholders related to the recruitment process.

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UPSC Chairman Removal Process

Removing the UPSC Chairperson is not easy. The Constitution provides safeguards under Article 317 to maintain independence. A Chairman can be removed only by the President of India, and only under the following conditions:

• Proved misbehaviour (after an inquiry by the Supreme Court)
• Mental or physical unfitness
• Bankruptcy
• Taking up a paid job outside the Commission during tenure

This strict procedure ensures the independence and neutrality of the UPSC.

The appointment of Dr. Ajay Kumar as UPSC Chairman in 2025 brings a fresh perspective to civil services recruitment. His experience, discipline, and administrative skills are set to guide UPSC towards more modern and fair practices.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

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