ACC extends Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's tenure by one year, till 31 October 2027
On 24 October 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet extended the tenure of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, by one year till 31 October 2027.
Summary
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 24 October 2026 extended the service of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh by one year beyond 31 October 2026, up to 31 October 2027 or until further orders. The extension was given in relaxation of FR 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, according to the DoPT order. Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, took over as Defence Secretary on 1 November 2024 after Giridhar Aramane and also serves as Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO.
Key facts
- Officer
- Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS (Kerala, 1989 batch)
- Post
- Defence Secretary (also Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO)
- Extension
- One year, up to 31 October 2027
- Approved by
- Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), 24 October 2026
- Rules relaxed
- FR 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of AIS (DCRB) Rules, 1958
- In office since
- 1 November 2024 (succeeded Giridhar Aramane)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In October 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet extended Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's tenure up to which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 31 October 2027
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, whose tenure was extended in October 2026, belongs to which IAS batch and cadre?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1989 batch, Kerala cadre