New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), functioning under the Department of Revenue, on Wednesday notified the appointment of eight senior Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officers to the rank of Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (PCCIT).
The appointments have been cleared for the panel year 2026 and will be effective on an in-situ basis, placing the officers in Level 17 of the Pay Matrix (Apex Scale) – the highest echelon in the Income Tax department.
Apex-Level Elevations Approved by CBDT
The latest notification marks a significant administrative decision, elevating experienced officers to the top-most rank within the Income Tax hierarchy. The promotions are aimed at strengthening leadership at the apex level of tax administration, especially as the department continues to focus on policy implementation, revenue mobilisation, and systemic reforms.
The list of promoted officers is dominated by those from the 1991 batch of the IRS (Income Tax), with one senior officer from the 1990 batch also included.
List of Newly Appointed Principal Chief Commissioners of Income Tax
The eight officers elevated to the rank of PCCIT are –
- Aparna Mittal Agarwal (IRS IT: 1990)
- Asit Singh (IRS IT: 1991)
- Sunil Bajpai (IRS IT: 1991)
- Alok Kumar (IRS IT: 1991)
- Narender Kumar (IRS IT: 1991)
- Dirisam Sudhakara Rao (IRS IT: 1991)
- Priscilla Singsit (IRS IT: 1991)
- N Longvah (IRS IT: 1991)
With this elevation, the officers will assume apex-scale responsibilities that include overseeing major zones, shaping policy execution, and guiding senior administrative and operational functions within the Income Tax department.
Tenure Outlook: Several Officers Nearing Superannuation
It is noteworthy that more than half of the newly promoted officers are scheduled to superannuate within the next twelve months, making these appointments largely short-tenure elevations.
- Asit Singh and Narender Kumar are slated to retire in February 2026, making them the earliest to superannuate among the newly elevated PCCITs.
- Priscilla Singsit is due to retire in February 2027.
- N Longvah will retire in May 2027.
- Sunil Bajpai will have the longest remaining tenure, with his service extending until May 2028.
The remaining officers are expected to serve varying tenures within the apex scale, depending on their respective retirement dates.
In-Situ Promotions and Administrative Continuity
The appointments have been cleared on an in-situ basis, meaning the officers have been elevated without immediate changes in their current postings. Such promotions are typically granted to ensure administrative continuity while recognizing seniority and experience, particularly at the highest levels of governance.
Officials indicated that the move reflects the government’s intent to ensure seasoned leadership remains in place during a period of transition, even as several senior officers approach retirement.
Strengthening Top Leadership in Tax Administration
The elevation of these officers to Level 17 underscores the importance placed on experienced leadership within the Income Tax department. As Principal Chief Commissioners, they are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding policy execution, supervising large jurisdictions, and supporting the CBDT’s broader mandate of efficient and transparent tax administration.
