Biography of Nidhi Tewari the newly appointed Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Key Points

• Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, was appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 29, 2025.
• She hails from Mehmurganj, Varanasi, and ranked 96th in the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination.
• Before joining IFS, she worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi.
• Her career includes roles in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where she served as Deputy Secretary since January 2023.

READ ALSO = Biography of IAS Pawan Yadav, Private Secretary to Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Below is the information about Nidhi Tewari

Attribute	Details
Name	Nidhi Tewari
Batch	2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Current Position	Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Appointment Date	March 29, 2025
Hometown	Mehmurganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
UPSC Achievement	Ranked 96th in the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination
Previous Role Before IFS	Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax), Varanasi
Career Highlights	– Worked in the Ministry of External Affairs
	– Served as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since January 2023
Service	Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

Early Life and Background

Nidhi Tewari was born and raised in Mehmurganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a city known for its cultural and educational significance. Growing up in this vibrant town, she likely attended local schools that emphasized both academic rigor and traditional values. Her roots in Varanasi, also Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014, add a notable connection to her current role.

READ ALSO = Biography of Poonam Gupta, New RBI first woman Deputy Governor After 14 years

Education and Early Career

Tewari pursued higher education in commerce, likely earning a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from a reputed college in Varanasi, such as Banaras Hindu University. Before entering the civil services, she worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi, gaining experience in public administration and fiscal policy.

Civil Services and Diplomatic Career

In 2013, Tewari cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination with a rank of 96, joining the Indian Foreign Service in the 2014 batch. Her diplomatic career began with assignments in the Ministry of External Affairs, notably in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, where she handled critical areas like disarmament, non-proliferation, and international security.

READ ALSO = Biography of Smita Sabharwal IAS

Rise in the Prime Minister’s Office

Tewari joined the PMO as Under Secretary in November 2022 and was promoted to Deputy Secretary in January 2023. In this role, she managed portfolios including External Affairs, Atomic Energy, Security Affairs, and the state of Rajasthan. Her rapid rise within the PMO culminated in her appointment as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 29, 2025, a position that involves managing the Prime Minister’s schedule, correspondence, and administrative duties.

Comprehensive Biography of Nidhi Tewari, Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 29, 2025, marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting her journey from a small town in Varanasi to a pivotal role in India’s governance. This detailed biography explores her early life, education, professional trajectory, and the responsibilities of her current position, providing a holistic view of her contributions to public service.

Early Life and Roots in Varanasi

Nidhi Tewari was born and raised in Mehmurganj, a town in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi, known for its spiritual and educational heritage, likely played a crucial role in shaping her early years. While specific details about her family and childhood are not widely available, her connection to Varanasi is notable, especially given that it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014. This shared regional background adds an interesting layer to her appointment, potentially symbolizing a bridge between local roots and national leadership.

READ ALSO = Biography of IAS Sujata Karthikeyan

Educational Journey

Tewari’s educational path began in Varanasi, where she completed her school education. Given her later role as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax), it is reasonable to infer that she pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from one of Varanasi’s reputed institutions, such as Banaras Hindu University (Top Commerce Colleges in Varanasi) or Harish Chandra Post Graduate College. These colleges are known for their strong commerce programs, which would have equipped her with the foundational knowledge for her early career in taxation.

Early Professional Experience

Before entering the civil services, Tewari worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi. This role involved managing tax-related affairs, providing her with practical experience in public administration and fiscal policy. Her tenure in this position, while preparing for the UPSC examination, highlights her ability to balance professional responsibilities with ambitious career goals.

UPSC Success and Entry into IFS

In 2013, Tewari appeared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, one of India’s most competitive exams. She secured the 96th rank, a testament to her dedication and intellectual prowess. This achievement led to her selection for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in the 2014 batch, marking the beginning of her diplomatic career. The IFS is known for its rigorous training and global responsibilities, and Tewari’s entry into this service set the stage for her future roles in international and national governance.

READ ALSO = Biography of Pallavi P Holker IAS

Career in the Ministry of External Affairs

Upon joining the IFS, Tewari was assigned to various roles within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). A significant posting was in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, where she served as Under Secretary. This division handles critical areas such as disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, civil nuclear cooperation, strategic trade, space cooperation, maritime security, and export controls (Disarmament and International Security Affairs Overview). Her work in this division likely involved contributing to India’s foreign policy on global security issues, reporting to senior officials like the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

Transition to the Prime Minister’s Office

In November 2022, Tewari joined the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as Under Secretary, a move that marked her entry into the heart of India’s executive governance. By January 2023, she was promoted to Deputy Secretary, a role that involved managing key portfolios such as External Affairs, Atomic Energy, Security Affairs, and the state of Rajasthan. Her responsibilities in the PMO included overseeing policy implementation, coordinating with various ministries, and ensuring smooth administrative operations, particularly in areas critical to national security and international relations.

Appointment as Private Secretary: A New Chapter

On March 29, 2025, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) announced Tewari’s appointment as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effective immediately. This position, ranked at Level 12 of the pay matrix, is co-terminus with her tenure or until further orders. The role of Private Secretary involves managing the Prime Minister’s schedule, handling correspondence, and performing other administrative duties, making her a key figure in the PMO’s operations (Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India). This appointment underscores her rapid rise within the government and her trusted position in supporting the Prime Minister’s agenda.

READ ALSO =  IAS Anand Vardhan Appointed as New Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand

Personal Life and Public Persona

Tewari is known for her dedication to public service and her professional commitment. She is married, though specific details about her personal life are not publicly available, reflecting her preference for privacy. Her career trajectory, from a local government role to a national leadership position, exemplifies the opportunities provided by India’s civil services and her ability to navigate complex administrative landscapes.

Significance and Future Prospects

Tewari’s appointment is significant not only for her personal achievement but also for the broader narrative of women in Indian governance. As a young IFS officer from a small town, her rise to the Private Secretary role highlights the accessibility of high-level positions through merit and hard work. Her expertise in international relations and security affairs, combined with her experience in the PMO, positions her to play a crucial role in shaping India’s policies under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

Comparative Analysis: Career Progression

To contextualize Tewari’s journey, consider the following table comparing her career milestones with typical IFS officer progression:

Year	Position	Organization	Key Responsibilities
Pre-2013	Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax)	Government of Uttar Pradesh	Tax administration, fiscal policy
2014	IFS Officer (2014 Batch)	Ministry of External Affairs	Diplomatic assignments, international relations
2014-2022	Under Secretary	MEA (Disarmament Division)	Disarmament, security, non-proliferation
Nov 2022	Under Secretary	Prime Minister’s Office	Administrative support, policy coordination
Jan 2023	Deputy Secretary	Prime Minister’s Office	External Affairs, Atomic Energy, Security
Mar 2025	Private Secretary	Prime Minister’s Office	Managing PM’s schedule, correspondence

This table illustrates her rapid ascent, particularly within the PMO, which is unusual for officers of her batch year, highlighting her exceptional performance and trust from senior leadership.

READ ALSO = IPS Tejaswi Satpute’s journey is a compelling narrative of perseverance, innovation, and community-focused policing

Challenges and Opportunities

As Private Secretary, Tewari faces the challenge of managing a high-pressure role that requires precision, discretion, and alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision. However, her prior experience in the PMO and MEA equips her to handle these responsibilities effectively. The opportunity to influence national and international policy from such a close vantage point is significant, and her contributions are expected to be substantial in the coming years.

Conclusion

Nidhi Tewari’s biography is a story of determination, from her roots in Varanasi to her current role as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her journey through the civil services, marked by key roles in taxation, diplomacy, and executive administration, showcases her versatility and commitment to public service. As she steps into this new chapter, her impact on India’s governance is poised to be noteworthy, reflecting the potential of young, talented officers in shaping the nation’s future.

READ ALSO = Biography of YK Sailas Thangal IFS