The government has appointed former defence secretary Dr Ajay Kumar as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), filling the vacancy caused by former chairperson Preeti Sudan’s retirement on April 29.

An order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training said, “The President is pleased to appoint Dr Ajay Kumar as Chairman, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Article 316 (1) of the Constitution of India. The tenure of Dr Ajay Kumar will commence from the date he enters upon the office of Chairman, UPSC.”

Members of the commission have a term of six years or till they attain the age of 65 years.