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Current Affairs

Rajesh Kumar Singh Given Additional Charge as DRDO Chairman

By Published

On 29 May 2026, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was assigned additional charge as Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and took effect from 31 May 2026, immediately after the completion of Dr. Samir V. Kamat's tenure as Chairman on 31 May 2026. Rajesh Kumar Singh is an IAS officer from the 1989 batch, Kerala cadre, and has been serving as Defence Secretary since 1 November 2024. DRDO is India’s premier defence research agency operating under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for military technology and systems development.

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Key Facts

  • Rajesh Kumar Singh was given additional charge as Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO on 29 May 2026.
  • The charge took effect from 31 May 2026, after Dr. Samir V. Kamat’s tenure ended that day.
  • The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, the body responsible for senior government appointments.
  • Rajesh Kumar Singh is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and has been Defence Secretary since 1 November 2024.
  • DRDO functions under the Ministry of Defence and is India’s premier agency for defence research and development.

Background & Context

DRDO was established in 1958 by merging various technical development organizations to focus on defence research and development for the Indian armed forces. The Chairman of DRDO concurrently holds the post of Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, established separately in 1980. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, an accomplished scientist and IIT Kharagpur and Ohio State University alumnus, served as DRDO Chairman from August 2022 until 31 May 2026.

On completion of Dr. Kamat’s term, Rajesh Kumar Singh, the then Defence Secretary, was assigned additional charge until a regular incumbent is appointed or further orders are issued.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Understanding the structure and leadership of key defence organisations like DRDO is crucial for exams related to governance, defence, and current affairs. The role of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in approving senior bureaucratic positions reflects important aspects of administrative governance. The dual charge system and the role of senior IAS officers in defence administration are also relevant topics.

Points to Remember

  • DRDO is India’s premier defence research agency, operating under the Ministry of Defence.
  • The Chairman of DRDO is also Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development.
  • Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, was Defence Secretary since November 2024.
  • Dr. Samir V. Kamat served as DRDO Chairman from August 2022 to May 2026.
  • Additional charge is assigned until a regular incumbent is appointed.
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approves senior government appointments.
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