The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the Election Commission of India’s proposal to appoint Ashish Goyal, a 1996-batch officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), as Director General (Media) at the Joint Secretary level. His appointment is for an overall tenure of five years, up to April 30, 2028, or until further orders – whichever is earlier.
The position has been created by upgrading a vacant post of Director in the Election Commission of India, and Mr. Goyal will serve initially for a period of two years from the date he assumes charge.
Ashish Goyal is currently holding additional charge as Director General of the National Museum under the Ministry of Culture, and also serves as the Director General of the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad.
Mr Goyal has recently assumed additional charge as Director General of the National Museum, New Delhi, succeeding the outgoing DG, Dr. B.R. Mani.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr. Goyal has held several key roles in public communication and cultural administration. His previous assignments include:
- Director General and Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- Additional Director General, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) (October 2021 to May 2023)
Mr. Goyal completed his schooling at Yadavindra Public School, Mohali, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Punjab Engineering College, and an MBA from University Business School, Panjab University.