Jaipur: The race to succeed Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas (IAS:1989:RJ) has quietly begun within the state bureaucracy, with the Rajasthan government reportedly assessing potential candidates for the state’s top administrative post ahead of his retirement on August 31, 2026.
While the possibility of granting an extension to Srinivas remains open under existing rules, sources indicate that the state government is simultaneously preparing a panel of senior officers to ensure a smooth transition if a successor needs to be appointed.
According to officials familiar with the developments, four senior IAS officers are currently considered the strongest contenders for the coveted position of Chief Secretary.
Extension for V. Srinivas Still a Possibility
Under prevailing service rules, the Central Government can grant a Chief Secretary up to two extensions of six months each beyond the retirement date. Several states have availed this provision in recent years for continuity in governance.
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However, sources in the Rajasthan Secretariat suggest that Srinivas may not be keen on seeking an extension and could instead prefer an assignment in New Delhi before his superannuation.
If that happens, the Bhajan Lal Sharma government will need to appoint a new Chief Secretary before September.
Abhay Kumar Emerges as Frontrunner
Among the names doing the rounds, Abhay Kumar (IAS:1992:RJ) is widely seen as the leading contender due to his seniority and extensive administrative experience.
Currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, Kumar has been overseeing the ambitious Ramjal Setu Link Project, one of the flagship initiatives of the Rajasthan government.
Profile: Abhay Kumar
- Batch: 1992
- Cadre: Rajasthan
- Date of Birth: August 21, 1968
- Education: B.Tech., M.Tech.
- Current Post: Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department
- Retirement: August 31, 2028
Over the course of his career, Kumar has served as Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Secretary, Commissioner, District Collector and District Magistrate, Special Secretary, Director, Additional Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer.
If the government adheres to the traditional principle of seniority, Kumar’s claim could become the strongest among all contenders.
Rajat Kumar Mishra Brings Strong Central Experience
Another prominent contender is Rajat Kumar Mishra (IAS:1992:RJ), who is currently serving on central deputation as Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Mishra is known for his expertise in policy formulation, financial administration and implementation of large-scale government programmes.
Profile: Rajat Kumar Mishra
- Batch: 1992
- Cadre: Rajasthan
- Date of Birth: January 4, 1968
- Education: M.Sc. (Geology)
- Current Post: Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, Government of India
- Retirement: January 31, 2028
Throughout his career, he has served as Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Principal Secretary, Secretary to Government, Secretary to Chief Minister, CMD of public sector organisations, Managing Director and District Collector.
Officials believe that if the Rajasthan government prioritises stronger coordination with the Centre, Mishra could emerge as a preferred choice.
Akhil Arora Seen as Strong Administrative Candidate
The third major contender is Akhil Arora (IAS:1993:RJ), one of the most influential bureaucrats in the state government.
Arora currently serves as Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and plays a key role in monitoring governance and implementation of flagship programmes.
Profile: Akhil Arora
- Batch: 1993
- Cadre: Rajasthan
- Date of Birth: February 4, 1969
- Education: B.E.
- Current Post: Additional Chief Secretary, CMO and Public Health Engineering & Ground Water Department
- Retirement: February 2029
IAS Arora was appointed ACS in the Chief Minister’s Office on March 20, 2026.
His proximity to the state leadership and deep understanding of government functioning make him a strong contender despite being junior to officers from the 1992 batch.
Administrative observers point out that there have been several instances across states where junior officers were elevated to the Chief Secretary post by superseding senior colleagues.
Aparna Arora Also in the Race
Another senior officer being closely watched is Aparna Arora (IAS:1993:RJ), who currently serves as Additional Chief Secretary, Mines and Petroleum Department.
Known for handling several key departments during her career, she is regarded as one of the most experienced officers in the Rajasthan bureaucracy.
Profile: Aparna Arora
- Batch: 1993
- Cadre: Rajasthan
- Date of Birth: October 1, 1968
- Education: M.A.
- Current Post: Additional Chief Secretary, Mines and Petroleum Department
- Retirement: 2029
IAS Aparna was appointed ACS, Mines and Petroleum Department on March 20, 2026.
She has held several important assignments including Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Secretary, Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, District Collector and Chairman of government bodies.
If selected as Chief Secretary, the government may need to adjust postings of some officers senior to her in the hierarchy.
Chief Minister Holds the Final Authority
Unlike the appointment of a Director General of Police (DGP), where UPSC empanelment plays a role, the appointment of a Chief Secretary does not require a UPSC panel.
Traditionally, seniority has been one of the key factors considered while selecting a Chief Secretary. However, the final decision rests entirely with the Chief Minister, who may appoint any officer considered suitable for the role.
As a result, administrative experience, political confidence, governance expertise and future tenure are often weighed alongside seniority.
Who Has the Edge?
At present, Abhay Kumar appears to have a slight advantage because of seniority and his role in key government projects. However, Rajat Kumar Mishra’s central government experience, Akhil Arora’s strategic position in the CMO, and Aparna Arora’s extensive administrative track record ensure that the contest remains open.
The final decision is expected to gain momentum closer to August as the government assesses administrative requirements and the possibility of an extension for outgoing Chief Secretary V. Srinivas.
