Chandigarh: Haryana is set to appoint a new Director General of Police (DGP) starting January 1, 2026, as the state government moves forward with the selection process through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Three senior IPS officers – Ajay Singhal, Alok Mittal, and Arshinder Chawla – are in contention for the top post.
UPSC Empanelment Committee to Finalize DGP Selection
The UPSC empanelment committee will hold a crucial meeting on December 31, 2025, to recommend three IPS officers eligible for appointment as the head of the police force (HoPF) in Haryana.
The committee is chaired by a UPSC official and includes –
- An officer from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- The Chief Secretary of Haryana
- The incumbent DGP of Haryana
- An officer heading a central police organisation or central paramilitary force, nominated by the MHA
Following the meeting, the UPSC will submit a panel of three officers to the Haryana government, which will then select the new DGP.
Officers Considered for Haryana DGP
The Haryana government submitted records of five senior IPS officers to the UPSC on December 1, 2025, to initiate the empanelment process. These officers include:
Shatrujeet Kapur, former DGP, relieved on December 14 following controversy surrounding the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who had named Kapur and others in his note. Kapur, who had consented to a central assignment, has 10 months of service remaining and had previously been appointed DGP on August 16, 2023, with a minimum tenure of two years under the Prakash Singh verdict.
- Sanjeev Kumar Jain (1991 batch)
- Ajay Singhal (1992 batch)
- Alok Mittal (1993 batch)
- Arshinder Chawla (1993 batch)
Among these, Ajay Singhal, Alok Mittal, and Arshinder Chawla are the frontrunners for the DGP position.
Background: Current DGP and Administrative Context
Currently, OP Singh is serving as the officiating DGP and is set to retire on December 31, 2025. With his retirement imminent, the Haryana government expedited the process of appointing a permanent DGP.
Kapur, whose tenure as DGP was marked by controversies, could have served until his retirement in October 2026. His early relief from the post has paved the way for the new leadership.
The selection process adheres strictly to UPSC guidelines and the apex court rulings in the Prakash Singh case, ensuring transparency and seniority considerations are maintained in appointing the next head of Haryana Police.
Timeline for New DGP Appointment
- December 31, 2025 – UPSC empanelment committee meeting to select three officers
- January 1, 2026 – New DGP to assume office
The appointment marks a critical transition for Haryana Police at a time when administrative stability and policing reforms are high on the state government’s agenda.
