Deepti Umashankar is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1993 Haryana cadre, currently serving as the Secretary to the President of India. With a career spanning over three decades, she has held numerous pivotal roles across state and central government levels, showcasing her expertise in administration, personnel management, and governance. Her appointment as Secretary to the President, one of the most prestigious bureaucratic positions in India, underscores her reputation as a seasoned and capable administrator.
Born and raised in India, Deepti Umashankar embarked on her journey in public service by clearing the highly competitive Civil Services Examination, securing her place in the 1993 batch of the IAS. Assigned to the Haryana cadre, she began her career tackling grassroots administrative challenges, gaining firsthand experience in governance and public welfare. Her early postings in Haryana equipped her with a deep understanding of state-level administration, laying a robust foundation for her subsequent roles.
Throughout her tenure in Haryana,Deepti Umashankar served in various capacities, including as Principal Secretary in departments such as Monitoring & Coordination and Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare. She also held the position of Commissioner, Ambala Division, demonstrating her ability to manage large administrative units effectively. Notably, in 2018, she was appointed Chairperson of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), a role she took on amidst a challenging period for the commission, reflecting her capacity to handle sensitive and high-stakes responsibilities. Additionally, she served as Chairperson of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, contributing to environmental governance in the state.
Her career trajectory took a significant leap when she transitioned to the central government. In May 2021, the Haryana government relieved her to join the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) as Additional Secretary. Within months, by December 2021, she was appointed Establishment Officer & Additional Secretary in the DoPT, a critical role overseeing personnel policies and appointments across the Indian bureaucracy. Her tenure in this position highlighted her meticulous approach to human resource management within the government.
Deepti Umashankar’s exemplary service led to her empanelment as Secretary to the Government of India, a testament to her leadership and administrative prowess. On August 16, 2024, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the President of India in the rank and pay of Secretary. She assumed the role of Secretary to the President on August 31, 2024, succeeding Rajesh Verma upon his superannuation. In this capacity, she heads the President’s Secretariat, serving as the principal administrative aide to President Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal woman to hold India’s highest office.
As Secretary to the President, Deepti Umashankar plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, coordinating between the President’s office and various government entities, and overseeing the implementation of presidential directives. Her extensive experience in both state and central administration, coupled with her strategic insight, makes her uniquely suited for this prestigious position.
While specific details about her personal life, such as her birthdate, family background, or educational qualifications, remain limited in the public domain—typical for many IAS officers—her professional journey speaks volumes about her dedication and competence. Deepti Umashankar’s career is a shining example of how perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to public service can culminate in one of the highest echelons of Indian bureaucracy.