Dr. Ajay Kumar’s career is a testament to the power of vision, intellect, and relentless dedication to public service. As a distinguished civil servant, technocrat, and thought leader, Kumar has left an indelible mark on India’s defense, technology, and governance sectors. Currently serving as the Joint Secretary (Budget and Resources) in the Ministry of Defence, New Delhi, and as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Kumar’s journey from a small-town scholar to a key architect of India’s defense and digital ecosystems is both inspiring and transformative. This biography delves into his life, achievements, and enduring impact, offering a comprehensive portrait of a leader shaping India’s future.
Early Life and Academic Excellence: A Foundation for Leadership
Born on October 2, 1962, in Kerala, India, Ajay Kumar grew up in an environment that valued education and discipline. From an early age, he displayed a keen interest in science and technology, a passion that would shape his illustrious career. Kumar’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he graduated with distinction. His time at IIT Kanpur was formative, not only honing his technical skills but also fostering a mindset of innovation and problem-solving.
Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of economics and governance, Kumar pursued advanced studies at the University of Minnesota, earning a Master’s degree in Development Economics and a PhD in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management. His academic achievements were recognized with two fellowships from the University of Minnesota, underscoring his intellectual prowess. In 2019, Kumar was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by IIT Kanpur for his contributions to nation-building and professional excellence.
Entry into Public Service: A Career of Impact
Joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1985 as part of the Kerala cadre, Kumar embarked on a career that would span over three decades, blending technical expertise with administrative acumen. His early roles in the Kerala state government showcased his versatility, as he served in key positions such as District Magistrate and Collector of Palghat (now Palakkad), Managing Director of the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KELTRON), and Principal Secretary of the Information Technology Department. During his tenure at KELTRON from 2000 to 2003, Kumar spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, revitalizing the organization and establishing it as a leader in electronics manufacturing.
Kumar’s three decades with the Kerala government saw him head multiple departments, including Industries and Information Technology, where he laid the groundwork for the state’s technological advancements. His ability to navigate complex policy challenges and drive innovation earned him a reputation as a forward-thinking administrator.
Rise to National Prominence: Shaping India’s Digital and Defense Sectors
Kumar’s transition to the Government of India marked a new chapter in his career, as he took on roles that would shape the nation’s technological and defense ecosystems. From 2010 to 2014, he served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, followed by a stint as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) from 2015 to 2019. During this period, Kumar played a pivotal role in implementing the Digital India initiative, a flagship program under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His contributions included the development of transformative platforms such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Aadhaar, MyGov.in, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and Jeevan Pramaan, which revolutionized India’s digital infrastructure.
Kumar’s leadership in the electronics sector was equally impactful. As Director General of the National Informatics Centre, he drove initiatives to expand digital access and streamline governance. His efforts in reviving India’s electronics and mobile manufacturing industries between 2012 and 2017 earned him accolades, including the “Electronics Leader of the Year” award in 2012 and the “Technovation Sarabhai Award” in 2015 from the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association.
In 2017, Kumar was appointed Secretary of Defence Production, a role he held until August 2019. He later assumed the position of Defence Secretary from August 23, 2019, to October 31, 2022, becoming the longest-serving Defence Secretary in India’s history. His tenure was marked by transformative reforms, including the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position in 2020, the launch of the Agniveer scheme in 2022, and the corporatization of the Ordnance Factories Board, a 200-year-old institution employing 80,000 people. Kumar also championed the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program, fostering a vibrant defense startup ecosystem and promoting indigenization under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
As Defence Secretary, Kumar navigated complex geopolitical challenges, including the tense India-China standoff following the Galwan incident in 2020. His strategic leadership ensured a robust response while advancing India’s defense capabilities through investments in emerging technologies like cyberspace and underwater warfare. Notable achievements include commissioning the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Saksham and launching INS Vagsheer, the sixth Scorpene-class submarine under Project-75, in 2022.
Current Role: Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence
As of 2025, Dr. Ajay Kumar serves as the Joint Secretary (Budget and Resources) in the Ministry of Defence, New Delhi, a role that leverages his extensive experience in defense policy and financial management. Based at 108-A, South Block, Kumar oversees critical budgetary and resource allocation strategies to support India’s armed forces. His email, jstrg-mod@nic.in, and fax, 23013489, serve as key contact points for coordination within the ministry.
In this capacity, Kumar continues to drive efficiency and modernization in defense operations, ensuring that resources are aligned with India’s strategic priorities. His role is particularly significant in the context of recent challenges, such as the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which prompted heightened scrutiny of aviation safety. While Kumar’s work primarily focuses on defense, his expertise in governance and technology positions him as a key figure in addressing broader national security challenges.
Leadership Beyond Government: A Visionary in Academia and Industry
Beyond his government roles, Kumar has made significant contributions to academia and industry. He is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Kanpur in the Departments of Management Sciences and Economic Sciences, where he mentors the next generation of technocrats and policymakers. As a non-resident Senior Fellow at Carnegie India, Kumar provides insightful commentary on defense, technology, and geopolitics, with regular publications in leading Indian dailies.
Kumar’s entrepreneurial ventures further highlight his forward-thinking approach. In 2023, he founded MGF-Kavachh, a SEBI-approved venture capital fund that raised ₹250 crore to support startups in aerospace, defense, and deep tech. His advisory roles with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Sify Technologies underscore his influence in fostering innovation and collaboration. Kumar’s contributions to the iDEX program earned him the Prime Minister’s Award for Public Policy in the Innovation Category in 2021, a testament to his impact on India’s defense startup ecosystem.
Personal Milestones and Recognition
Dr. Ajay Kumar’s career is adorned with numerous accolades. In 1994, he received the “Silver Elephant” medallion from the National Scouts and Guides for his contributions to youth development. His work in electronics earned him the “Champion of Change” award from the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association in 2017. Additionally, Kumar was conferred a Doctor of Philosophy by Amity University in 2019, recognizing his contributions to governance and technology.� pesquisaweb:24⁊
Kumar’s ability to balance rigorous administrative duties with academic and entrepreneurial pursuits reflects his multifaceted leadership. His international engagements, such as accompanying Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to Paris for the delivery of India’s first Rafale fighter jet in 2019, highlight his global influence. Despite testing positive for COVID-19 in June 2020, Kumar continued to lead with resilience, overseeing critical defense initiatives during a challenging period.
A Legacy of Transformation
Dr. Ajay Kumar’s journey is a remarkable blend of technical expertise, administrative excellence, and visionary leadership. From revolutionizing India’s digital landscape to strengthening its defense capabilities, Kumar has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in public service. As Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the UPSC, he continues to shape India’s future by ensuring robust defense strategies and nurturing the next generation of civil servants.
His legacy is not just in the policies he has shaped or the institutions he has transformed but in his ability to inspire others to think big and act boldly. As India navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, leaders like Dr. Ajay Kumar remain indispensable, steering the nation toward a future of strength, innovation, and self-reliance.