In a major administrative development, the government has appointed Vivek Chaturvedi, a 1990-batch Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) officer, as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) confirmed that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved his elevation to the top post.
IRS Chaturvedi succeeds Mr Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, a 1988-batch IRS officer, who completed his tenure and retired on November 28, 2025.
Career Path: From Vigilance Chief to Board Chairman
Before assuming chairmanship, Mr Chaturvedi served as Member, CBIC, a position he was appointed to earlier in September 2025. At that time, he was serving as the Principal Director General of Vigilance and Chief Vigilance Officer, overseeing vigilance functions across the indirect tax administration.
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His appointment as Member followed the retirement of Vivek Ranjan, Member (Tax Policy & Legal), who demitted office on August 31, 2025.
In his vigilance role, Chaturvedi played a key part in strengthening internal controls, promoting transparency, and improving oversight mechanisms – priorities that have gained increased focus across the tax administration framework.
Leadership Shifts at CBIC
IRS Chaturvedi’s elevation comes during a period of significant leadership transition at CBIC. In addition to the departure of Vivek Ranjan and outgoing chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, two more senior members are scheduled to retire on November 30, 2025.
This marks the beginning of a broader reshuffle at the top levels of India’s indirect tax ecosystem, with Chaturvedi’s appointment being the first in a series of major administrative changes expected in the coming months.
Vigilance and Policy Expertise to Drive CBIC Agenda
Known for his strong grounding in vigilance, compliance, and tax administration, Mr Chaturvedi is widely regarded as an experienced hand capable of steering CBIC during a transformative phase. His vigilance background is particularly significant, signaling the Centre’s continued emphasis on:
- Strengthening internal oversight
- Enhancing transparency
- Reinforcing institutional integrity
His expertise is expected to play a crucial role in shaping policy reforms and ensuring smoother implementation of indirect tax laws.
Ensuring Continuity in an Evolving Indirect Tax Landscape
Chaturvedi takes charge at a time when India’s indirect tax framework is evolving through continuous GST reforms, tighter compliance standards, and an accelerated push for digitization in customs processes.
With over three decades of service, he brings substantial experience that is likely to support –
- Streamlining GST and customs processes
- Strengthening enforcement mechanisms
- Enhancing efficiency in indirect tax administration
Driving policy refinement in a fast-changing regulatory environment
His leadership is expected to provide stability and continuity as CBIC navigates upcoming challenges amid ongoing modernization of India’s tax ecosystem.
About CBIC
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is a statutory body under India’s Ministry of Finance that formulates policy and administers indirect taxes like GST, customs, and excise duties. It was formerly known as the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) and also handles the prevention of smuggling and the administration of narcotics. The CBIC is headed by a Chairman and includes 6 members, and it acts as the administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, such as Custom Houses and various GST and Central Excise Commissionerates.
