- Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, is a 1993 batch officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, currently serving as the 51st Chief Secretary of Assam since March 31, 2024.
- Born on April 12, 1966, in Kotapadu village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, he holds a PhD in Agronomy from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), earning a gold medal.
- His career spans over 31 years, with significant roles including Joint Secretary at the 15th Finance Commission and Head of Economic Section at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.
- He managed Assam’s finances during major transitions like demonetization and GST implementation, and is known for shaping public finance and macroeconomic policies.
Background and Education:
Dr. Ravi Kota’s journey began in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, where he developed a strong academic foundation. He graduated with a PhD in Agronomy from IARI, a notable achievement that highlights his expertise in agriculture, which later influenced his administrative roles.
READ ALSO = Praveen Kumar Sinha, A Seasoned Leader at the Helm of Punjab Police’s Intelligence Department
Career Highlights:
Starting his IAS career in 1993, Dr. Kota held various positions, including managing district-level governance in Assam and Meghalaya. His international stint in Washington DC focused on India-US economic ties, while his role in the 15th Finance Commission shaped national fiscal policies. As Principal Finance Secretary of Assam, he navigated economic challenges, raising internal revenues through taxation and market borrowings.
Current Role and Impact:
As Chief Secretary, Dr. Kota oversees Assam’s administration, focusing on industries, commerce, and finance. His leadership is marked by evidence-based policies, aiming for efficiency and sustainability. Interestingly, he is the first doctorate holder to hold this position in Assam, making him a unique figure in the state’s bureaucratic history.
READ ALSO = Savin Bansal IAS, A Visionary Leader Transforming Uttarakhand
Dr. Ravi Kota: A Visionary Leader Shaping Assam’s Future
In the annals of Indian bureaucracy, Dr. Ravi Kota stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and administrative prowess. Appointed as the 51st Chief Secretary of Assam on March 31, 2024, his journey from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to the helm of one of India’s northeastern states is a narrative of resilience, intellect, and dedication to public service. As of April 8, 2025, Dr. Kota’s career, spanning over 31 years, reflects a blend of agricultural expertise, fiscal management, and visionary leadership, making him a pivotal figure in Assam’s developmental landscape.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Dr. Ravi Kota was born on April 12, 1966, in Kotapadu village, Santabommali mandal, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Growing up in a region known for its agricultural heritage, he developed an early interest in farming and rural development, which would later shape his career. His academic journey was marked by exceptional achievements, culminating in a PhD in Agronomy from the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. Earning a gold medal for his doctoral work, Dr. Kota distinguished himself as a scholar with a deep understanding of agricultural issues, a foundation that would prove invaluable in his administrative roles.
READ ALSO = Inspiring Story of Charu Sinha IPS
Entry into the IAS: A Commitment to Service
In 1993, Dr. Kota cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. His decision to enter public service was driven by a desire to address the socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities, particularly in northeastern India. His initial postings in Assam and Meghalaya provided him with firsthand experience in grassroots governance, likely involving managing rural development projects, agricultural initiatives, and public finance at the district level. Though specific details of these early assignments are not widely documented, they were crucial in honing his administrative acumen and preparing him for higher responsibilities.
A Career of Impactful Roles
Dr. Kota’s career trajectory is marked by a series of high-profile roles that showcase his versatility and expertise. One of his most notable international assignments was as Head of the Economic Section at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC from 2017 to 2020. During this period, he played a key role in strengthening India-US economic ties and fostering climate change partnerships, gaining insights into global economic dynamics that would later inform his governance strategies back home.
Upon returning to India, Dr. Kota served as Joint Secretary at the 15th Finance Commission under the Ministry of Finance from 2014 to 2017. In this role, he was instrumental in designing public finance policies and macroeconomic strategies for states and union territories, contributing to national fiscal frameworks. His expertise in fiscal management was further tested during his tenure as Principal Finance Secretary of Assam, a position he held from 2017 to 2022. Here, he navigated the state through significant economic transitions, including the shift from the Planning Commission to a federal financial system post-2014, the demonetization of 2016, and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. Under his stewardship, Assam saw increased internal revenues through taxation reforms, strategic market borrowings, and leveraging external assistance, ensuring fiscal stability during turbulent times.
READ ALSO = Meet Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar IAS, A Doctor & Administrator Transforming Public Health
Dr. Kota’s administrative acumen extended beyond finance. He served as Additional Chief Secretary for various departments in Assam, including:
- Home & Political Department (encompassing Passport and Prisons)
- Industries, Commerce & Public Enterprises Department
- Finance Department (additional charge)
His leadership style, characterized by evidence-based policymaking, efficiency, inclusiveness, and a focus on long-term sustainability, has been particularly impactful in sectors like agriculture, rural development, urban infrastructure, and internal security. His academic background in agronomy provided him with a unique perspective, enabling him to address Assam’s agricultural challenges with both technical expertise and administrative insight.
Ascending to Chief Secretary: A Historic Milestone
On March 31, 2024, Dr. Ravi Kota assumed office as the 51st Chief Secretary of Assam, succeeding Paban Kumar Borthakur, a 1989 batch IAS officer who retired after a three-month tenure extension granted in December 2023. This appointment marked a historic moment for two reasons: Dr. Kota is the first doctorate holder to become Chief Secretary of Assam since its establishment in 1909, and he is also the first Ph.D. holder in Agriculture to hold this position. Notably, Assam is now the only state in India with both a Ph.D.-holder Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Chief Secretary, highlighting the state’s emphasis on academic excellence in leadership.
As Chief Secretary, Dr. Kota oversees the overall administration of the state government and serves as Secretary to the State Cabinet. He is responsible for policy formulation and execution under the guidance of the Chief Minister and State Cabinet. His current portfolio includes overseeing critical departments such as Industries, Commerce & Public Enterprises, while also holding additional charge as Special Secretary of Finance. His priorities include fostering industrial growth, enhancing public sector performance, and ensuring fiscal prudence to support sustainable development. His leadership is expected to steer Assam towards economic resilience and inclusive growth, leveraging his extensive experience in public finance and policy-making.
Personal Life and Interests: A Well-Rounded Leader
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Kota is known for his multilingual skills, being fluent in Telugu, Hindi, English, Assamese, and Bengali a valuable asset for an administrator in a linguistically diverse state like Assam. He is married to Nirmala Kota, and together they have a daughter and a son. In his leisure time, Dr. Kota enjoys films, music, and sports, reflecting a well-rounded personality that balances professional rigor with personal passions. His ability to connect with people across cultures and languages has undoubtedly enhanced his effectiveness as a leader.
A Legacy of Excellence and Inspiration
Dr. Ravi Kota’s career is a shining example of how academic excellence can be seamlessly integrated with effective governance. From his early days as a gold medalist in agriculture to his current role as Chief Secretary of Assam, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public service and a vision for inclusive growth. His ability to bridge academic knowledge with administrative expertise has made him a transformative leader in both state and national contexts.
As he leads Assam into a new era of governance excellence, Dr. Kota’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of civil servants to strive for excellence while staying rooted in their commitment to societal betterment. His journey from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to the corridors of power in Assam serves as a powerful reminder that determination, education, and integrity can shape not just individual destinies but also the future of entire states.
READ ALSO = IPS Parmar’s life is a story of grit, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to justice.
Table: Key Milestones in Dr. Ravi Kota’s Career
| Year | Role/Contribution | Impact |
| 1966 | Born in Kotapadu village, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh | Laid foundation for rural and agricultural focus |
| 1993 | Joined IAS, Assam-Meghalaya cadre | Began public service career |
| 2014–2017 | Joint Secretary, 15th Finance Commission, Ministry of Finance | Shaped national fiscal policies |
| 2017–2020 | Head of Economic Section, Indian Embassy, Washington DC | Strengthened India-US economic ties |
| 2017–2022 | Principal Finance Secretary, Assam | Managed finances during demonetization, GST |
| March 31, 2024 | Appointed 51st Chief Secretary of Assam | First Ph.D. holder in Agriculture as Chief Secretary |
This table summarizes key milestones, highlighting his educational achievements, administrative roles, and policy contributions, providing a clear overview of his career trajectory.
READ ALSO = Digital Literacy for All, How IAS Akshay Sunil Agrawal is Transforming Education in Odisha