The Central Government on Monday issued a series of appointment and service-related notifications involving senior officers from the education, diplomatic, police, and policy sectors. The changes include the appointment of a new CBSE Secretary, India’s next Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the repatriation of a senior BSF officer, and an extension of tenure for a NITI Aayog Adviser
By NSB.News
In a significant set of administrative decisions, the Government of India has appointed Varun Bhardwaj (Indian Information Service: 2008) as Secretary (Director-level) of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, under the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.
Bhardwaj, who was serving as Director in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, has been shifted to the new post on a lateral transfer basis. His appointment comes amid a broader reshuffle in the leadership structure of CBSE.
In the diplomatic sphere, Vipul (IFS: 1998), currently serving as India’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is expected to assume charge shortly and will oversee India’s diplomatic engagement with one of its most important strategic partners in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal (IPS: 1994: Tamil Nadu cadre), who is presently serving as Special Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF), has been repatriated to his parent cadre. He is set to take over as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tamil Nadu, one of the country’s largest state police forces.
In another key decision, the tenure of Rajeev Singh Thakur (IAS: 1995: Rajasthan cadre), Adviser at NITI Aayog in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the Government of India, has been extended by six months. His tenure, which was scheduled to end on June 3, 2026, will now continue until December 3, 2026.
The latest appointments and tenure extensions reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to place experienced officers in critical administrative, diplomatic, educational, and policy-making positions across the country. These changes are expected to strengthen governance and ensure continuity in key institutions and departments.