New Delhi: Umesh Chander Datta, IPS (2000: Rajasthan), Inspector General in the Special Protection Group (SPG) under the Cabinet Secretariat, has been honoured with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service on Independence Day 2026.
A highly decorated officer with more than two decades of policing experience, Datta has served in several challenging assignments across Rajasthan and on central deputation. His career includes important roles in the Rajasthan Police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Border Security Force (BSF) and the elite SPG, which is responsible for the proximate security of the Prime Minister.
His latest recognition adds another distinction to a career marked by operational assignments, intelligence responsibilities and national-security duties.
Currently Serving as IG in SPG
Datta is presently serving as Inspector General, Special Protection Group, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India. He joined the SPG in May 2024 and is currently posted at Pay Level 14.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended his upgraded IG-level posting in the Cabinet Secretariat until May 21, 2027.
The SPG is tasked with providing proximate security to the Prime Minister, making Datta’s present assignment one of the most sensitive policing responsibilities at the national level.
Read also: SPG Inspector General Umesh Chander Datta Gets President’s Medal for Distinguished Service
From LBSNAA’s Best Officer Trainee to Senior IPS Officer
Datta entered the Indian Police Service as a direct recruit through the UPSC Civil Services Examination and formally joined the IPS on September 4, 2000.
During his foundational training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, he earned the distinction of being named the Best Officer Trainee in outdoor training.
This early recognition marked the beginning of a career that would subsequently take him through district policing, intelligence, investigation, border security and the country’s highest-level protective-security establishment.
Educational Background
Datta was born and raised in Chandigarh. He is a graduate in Geography, History and Political Science and holds a Master’s degree in Geography.
He is also reported to be a gold medallist from Panjab University. His academic background in geography complemented his later career in policing and field administration.
Over a Decade in District Policing in Rajasthan
During his tenure in the Rajasthan cadre, Datta spent more than a decade serving as Superintendent of Police in several districts.
His important district postings included:
- SP, Barmer
- SP, Nagaur
- SP, Sri Ganganagar
- SP, Bhilwara
- SP, Alwar
These assignments gave him extensive experience in district-level policing, law and order and field administration across Rajasthan.
After his district postings, he moved into senior leadership and intelligence responsibilities within the state police.
Served as IG in Jaipur Range, Intelligence and RAC
Datta subsequently served in several important positions at the Inspector General level in Rajasthan.
He served as IG, Intelligence, and also held the post of IG, Jaipur Range for more than two and a half years. He also served in the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC).
His experience in intelligence and range-level policing further broadened his exposure to sensitive law-and-order and security matters.
Central Deputation: CBI and BSF
Datta’s career also includes significant assignments outside his parent state.
During his central deputation, he served as Superintendent of Police in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he handled several sensitive and high-profile investigations.
His contribution during his CBI tenure was recognised with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2016, which he received on Republic Day.
He later served as a Deputy Inspector General in the Border Security Force (BSF). During his BSF tenure, he received the prestigious BSF Director General’s Disc five times for his operational performance.
Multiple Awards Over a Distinguished Career
The President’s Medal is the latest in a series of honours received by Datta during his career.
His major recognitions include:
President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (2026): Conferred on Independence Day 2026 in recognition of his distinguished service.
Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2016): Awarded during his tenure with the CBI.
BSF Director General’s Disc: Received five times during his service with the BSF.
Best Officer Trainee: Awarded for outdoor training during his foundational training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie.
Together, these honours reflect his long record across policing, investigation, intelligence, border security and specialised national-security assignments.
A Career Spanning Rajasthan Police and National Security
From serving as an SP in some of Rajasthan’s important districts to handling sensitive responsibilities in the CBI and BSF, Datta has worked across multiple domains of policing.
His move to the Special Protection Group placed him in one of the country’s most critical security establishments. His latest Presidential recognition comes after more than 25 years of service and underscores his contribution to policing and national security.
Umesh Chander Datta: Key Career Highlights
- 2000: Joined the Indian Police Service as a direct-recruit IPS officer of the 2000 batch, Rajasthan cadre.
- LBSNAA, Mussoorie: Named Best Officer Trainee in Outdoor Training during his foundational training.
- Rajasthan Police: Served as SP in Barmer, Nagaur, Sri Ganganagar, Bhilwara and Alwar, spending more than a decade in district policing.
- Senior Rajasthan postings: Served as IG, Intelligence, IG, Jaipur Range, and held responsibilities in the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC).
- CBI: Served as Superintendent of Police on central deputation, handling sensitive and high-profile investigations.
- 2016: Received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service during his CBI tenure.
- BSF: Served as DIG, Border Security Force, and received the BSF Director General’s Disc five times for his service.
- May 2024: Joined the Special Protection Group (SPG) as an IG-level officer under the Cabinet Secretariat.
- 2026: Received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service on Independence Day.
- May 2026: His upgraded IG-level posting in the Cabinet Secretariat was extended until May 21, 2027.
