Know Your Panel: UPSC Chairperson & Members Profiles (for 2025 Interview Appearing Candidates)

If you’re preparing for the UPSC interview, it’s important to know about the current Chairperson and Members of the commission. Understanding their profiles can help you personalize your answers and show that you’re well-prepared. It also allows you to tailor your responses based on their areas of expertise, making your discussion more relevant and thoughtful.

Being aware of the UPSC panel members also shows that you understand the diversity and leadership of the commission, which adds a level of professionalism to your approach. Plus, having this knowledge can give you a confidence boost, helping you stay calm and composed during the interview.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the profiles of the current UPSC Chairperson and Members, highlighting their experience, contributions, and areas of expertise.

Smt. Preeti Sudan – Chairperson, UPSC

• Position: Retired Union Health Secretary (July 2020); Chairman, UPSC (since August 2024).
• Experience: 37 years in government administration.
• Key Roles: Leadership during India’s COVID-19 response; Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution; roles in Women & Child Development and Defence Ministries.
• Education: M. Phil in Economics, M.Sc. in Social Policy and Planning (London School of Economics).
• Contributions: Spearheaded Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Ayushman Bharat; key legislations like National Medical Commission and E-cigarette ban.

Tip: Highlighting her transformative contributions to health and social policy in your answers can leave a strong impression.

Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.) – Member

• Position: Retired Lieutenant General, Indian Army.
• Experience: Over 40 years in the Army, including commanding an Infantry Brigade and a Pivot Corps.
• Education: Alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.
• Contributions: Authored 70 publications; participated in 180+ seminars; advanced military education and strategic planning.
• Awards: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2021).

Tip: Candidates with a defense background or those aspiring to work in strategic policy areas can draw inspiration from his expertise in military operations and education.

Ms. Suman Sharma – Member

• Position: IRS officer (1990 Batch); Member, UPSC (since May 2023).
• Education: Postgraduate in Organic Chemistry (Bronze Medalist); MBA (University of Hull, UK); specialized courses at global institutions.
• Experience: Roles in CBDT, Income Tax Department, and Foreign Trade; MD, Solar Energy Corporation of India.
• Contributions: Expertise in taxation, commerce, and renewable energy policies.

Tip: If you have an interest in tax policies, commerce, or renewable energy, aligning your answers with her expertise could be advantageous.

Shri Bidyut Behari Swain – Member

• Position: IAS officer, Gujarat Cadre (1988 Batch); Member, UPSC.
• Education: MA in Political Science; Masters in Public Policy and Management.
• Experience: Key roles in Gujarat’s administration and India’s trade policy; served as Secretary, Ministry of MSMEs.
• Contributions: Oversaw trade remedies and policies; promoted MSME development; interests include collecting autographed books and Indian art.

Tip: Candidates focusing on governance, MSME development, or public policy can benefit from referencing his work in these areas.

Dr. Dinesh Dasa – Member

• Position: Member, UPSC; Former Chairman, Gujarat Public Service Commission.
• Education: M.Sc. in Agroforestry; Ph.D. in Forest Laws and Sustainable Development.
• Experience: Leadership in GPSC; Director of Gujarat Tourism; expertise in governance and sustainable development.
• Contributions: Introduced reforms in civil service examinations and contributed to environmental policies.

Tip: If your interests lie in environmental policies or governance reforms, showcasing familiarity with his contributions can be impactful.

Shri Sheel Vardhan Singh, IPS (Retd.) – Member

• Position: Retired IPS officer; Member, UPSC (since January 2024).
• Experience: 37 years in national security; Director General, CISF (2021-2023).
• Education: BA in English; alumnus of National Defence College.
• Contributions: Strengthened India’s security apparatus; authored short stories and contributed to ‘Speaking Tree’ in The Times of India.

Tip: Candidates inclined towards internal security or strategic studies may highlight their alignment with his insights into global and internal security.

Shri Sanjay Verma, IFS (Retd.) – Member

• Position: Retired IFS officer (1990 Batch); Member, UPSC (since February 2024).
• Education: Studied Economics and International Studies at JNU.
• Experience: Roles as Secretary (West), Chief of Protocol, and Ambassador to Spain and Ethiopia.
• Contributions: Extensive work in diplomacy, economic relations, and diaspora engagement.

Tip: Candidates aspiring for roles in foreign services can benefit from aligning discussions with his experience in diplomacy and international relations.

Final Words

Knowing the profiles of the Chairperson and Members of UPSC provides a distinct edge in your preparation. Use this knowledge to navigate discussions, showcase your awareness, and leave a lasting impression on the panel.
Good luck!

 

(If any candidate is facing any kind of issue or has concerns regarding the UPSC interview—whether it’s about preparation, connecting with other candidates, or anything else—feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help and guide you through the entire process.)