Rajesh Kumar Singh will remain at the helm of the Ministry of Defence for another year after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved an extension in his service. The decision keeps him in office as Defence Secretary until October 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
In its official communication, the ACC said it had approved “extension in the service of Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS (KL:89) as Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence, for a period of one year beyond 31.10.2026, i.e. up to 31.10.2027 or until further orders whichever is earlier, in relaxation of the provisions of FR 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958.”
Who Rajesh Kumar Singh Is
Rajesh Kumar Singh is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre. He took charge as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024, after succeeding Giridhar Aramane. Before formally assuming the post, he served as Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) from August 20, 2024.
His service had already been extended earlier beyond the normal age of superannuation up to October 31, 2026. The latest approval now pushes that tenure further by one year.
Additional Charge in DRDO
Alongside his duties as Defence Secretary, Singh has also been holding additional charge as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development since May 31, 2026. He took over those responsibilities after the tenure of Samir V Kamat ended, and the arrangement is to continue until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders.
Earlier Postings
Before moving to the Ministry of Defence, Singh served as Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, from April 2023 to August 2024. He had earlier been Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
In the Kerala government, he worked as Finance Secretary and Secretary, Urban Development. His other central assignments have included positions in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, the Ministry of Urban Development, and as Chief Vigilance Officer of the Food Corporation of India.
Why the Extension Matters
The extension comes at a time when the Ministry of Defence is continuing work on greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, coordination among the services, and institutional changes in research and development. The source presents the move as a measure that supports administrative continuity.
