New Delhi/Imphal: Daljit Singh Chaudhary, a highly decorated retired IPS officer of the 1990 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the National Sports University.
The appointment order issued from GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi on May 07, 2026, stated that the appointment has been made on the recommendation of the Search-Cum-Selection Committee.
Daljit Singh Chaudhary, who retired from service in November 2025 after an illustrious 34-year policing career, has earlier served as Director General of the Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and also held senior leadership roles in the Central Reserve Police Force and Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
Widely known in policing circles as a “super cop,” Chaudhary built a reputation for leading from the front – from anti-dacoit operations in the Chambal ravines to overseeing some of India’s most critical internal and border security assignments.
Appointment Terms and Tenure
According to the official order, Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the National Sports University, Imphal, for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge or until attaining the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
The post carries a fixed salary of Rs. 2,10,000 per month along with a Special Allowance of Rs. 11,250 and other admissible allowances.
The order further stated that:
- Free residential accommodation will be provided by the university during his tenure.
- A staff car will also be provided.
- He will be entitled to allowances, perquisites, and benefits as per the National Sports University Act, 2018 and prevailing UGC guidelines.
- Statutory deductions including Income Tax will be handled by the university.
- All powers and responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor under the NSU Act, 2018 will apply to him.
The order has directed him to assume charge within seven days from the issuance of the appointment notification.
Early Life and Education
Daljit Singh Chaudhary was born on November 25, 1965, in New Delhi. Before entering the civil services, he pursued higher education in science and law.
He holds degrees in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). It was during his law studies that he decided to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
He successfully cleared the examination and joined the Indian Police Service in the 1990 batch. He was allotted the Uttar Pradesh cadre, considered among the country’s most challenging policing assignments.
Rise as a Frontline Officer in Uttar Pradesh
In the early years of his career, Daljit Singh Chaudhary became known for his aggressive anti-crime operations and field leadership.
Serving as ASP and later SSP in districts including Etawah, he played a major role in anti-dacoit campaigns in the Chambal ravines and adjoining regions of Uttar Pradesh.
He earned a formidable reputation after leading operations against notorious dacoit gangs. During his tenure as SSP Etawah, he was credited with neutralising 32 gangsters within 18 months.
Among the most high-profile operations associated with him was the 2005 encounter of dreaded dacoit Nirbhay Gujjar. He was also involved in operations against criminals such as Salim Gujjar and Rajjan Gujjar.
Senior police officers who worked with him have often described him as an officer who preferred to lead operations personally from the front.
Bhanu Bhaskar stated that Daljit Singh Chaudhary was known for maintaining calmness and strategic precision even in highly tense situations and armed encounters.
Key Role as ADG Law & Order in Uttar Pradesh
Daljit Singh Chaudhary later rose to become Additional Director General (Law & Order) in Uttar Pradesh, one of the most crucial law enforcement positions in the state.
During this tenure, he handled major law and order responsibilities and played an important role in maintaining internal security.
In 2017, he personally monitored a high-profile anti-terror operation in Lucknow against a holed-up operative linked to the ISIS Khorasan module. The overnight operation drew national attention and further strengthened his reputation as a crisis-management specialist.
Central Deputation and Leadership in CAPFs
Since 2017, Daljit Singh Chaudhary remained continuously on central deputation and held several top-level assignments in Central Armed Police Forces.
He served as:
- Additional Director General in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he oversaw operations in the Jammu & Kashmir zone
- Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF)
In 2024, he achieved the rare distinction of heading multiple major security organisations within a short period.
As DG of the SSB, he supervised security management along India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Later, in August 2024, he took over as Director General of the BSF, the world’s largest border-guarding force. During this period, he handled critical border security responsibilities and strategic operational management.
He also briefly held additional charge of the elite National Security Guard, popularly known as the “Black Cats” anti-terror force.
He retired from active IPS service on November 30, 2025.
A Para-Qualified Officer and National-Level Shooter
Apart from policing and operational leadership, Daljit Singh Chaudhary is also known for his specialised skills.
He is among the few IPS officers to complete the para course conducted at the Army Airborne Training School in Agra in 2020, making him a para-qualified officer.
He is also a renowned national-level shooter and trained skydiver.
Awards and Decorations
Over his distinguished career, Daljit Singh Chaudhary received several prestigious service and gallantry honours.
His decorations include:
- Four Police Medals for Gallantry
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service
- Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal
He has been particularly recognised for his leadership in anti-terror and anti-dacoit operations, including the 2017 Lucknow anti-terror operation and the encounter of Nirbhay Gujjar.
From Border Security to Sports Administration
With his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the National Sports University, Daljit Singh Chaudhary now begins a new chapter in public service after decades in policing and national security.
The National Sports University in Imphal was established under the National Sports University Act, 2018 and functions as India’s premier institution dedicated to sports education, sports sciences, coaching, and athletic excellence.
His appointment is being viewed as a significant administrative addition to the institution, given his long experience in leadership, discipline-oriented administration, and national service.
