Rajesh Kumar Singh Gets One-Year Extension as Defence Secretary Till October 2027

New Delhi, October 24, 2026: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has cleared a one-year extension in the service of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, allowing him to remain in office until October 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. His present tenure was due to end on October 31, 2026.

According to the official communication, the ACC approved the “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.”

Singh, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Kerala cadre, took charge as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024, after succeeding Giridhar Aramane. Before formally assuming office, he had served as Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) from August 20, 2024. At the time of his appointment, his service had already been extended beyond the normal age of superannuation up to October 31, 2026.

He has also been handling additional responsibilities in the defence establishment. Since May 31, 2026, Singh has held additional charge as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development. He took over those duties after the tenure of Samir V Kamat ended, and the arrangement was made until a regular incumbent is appointed or until further orders.

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. Earlier, he was Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. His career has also included senior assignments in the Kerala government, where he served as Finance Secretary and Secretary, Urban Development. At the Centre, he has held posts 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.

The extension ensures administrative continuity at a time when the Ministry of Defence is pushing reforms aimed at greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, better coordination among the services, and institutional changes in research and development.