by Who is Ajit Doval? Ajit Doval is one of India’s most prominent security officials and currently serves as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India. A retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and former intelligence official, Ajit Doval has spent decades working on matters related to national security, intelligence and strategic affairs. The Prime Minister’s Office currently lists him as the National Security Adviser.
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Ajit Doval Biography
Ajit Kumar Doval was born on 20 January 1945 in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, then part of the United Provinces. He joined the Indian Police Service in 1968 and subsequently built a long career in intelligence and security services.
During his career, Doval served in several challenging regions and assignments. His professional experience included work related to Northeast India, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim and Pakistan. In 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted his long service in the Intelligence Bureau and noted that he had also spent six years serving in Pakistan.
Education
Ajit Doval’s education began in Uttarakhand. He later completed his Master’s degree in Economics from Agra University.
His educational background was followed by a career in public service, where his work increasingly focused on intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism and national security.
Career
Ajit Doval joined the IPS in 1968 and was subsequently associated with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). His career included assignments involving some of India’s most complex security challenges.
He eventually became the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, one of the country’s most senior intelligence positions. His experience in intelligence operations and security matters later became an important part of his role as National Security Adviser.
The Government of India appointed Ajit Doval as National Security Adviser on 30 May 2014. The appointment was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Ajit Doval as National Security Adviser
As NSA, Ajit Doval advises the Prime Minister on national security matters and has been involved in strategic discussions concerning India’s internal and external security.
He has also represented India in important diplomatic and strategic engagements. For example, the Prime Minister’s Office appointed him as India’s Special Representative for boundary negotiations and strategic consultations with China.
In 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs described Doval as India’s longest-serving National Security Adviser. It also credited him with an important role in the development of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), which coordinates intelligence inputs related to internal security.
Ajit Doval Awards
One of the major honours associated with Ajit Doval is the Kirti Chakra, which he received in 1988. He became the first police officer to receive the military honour for peacetime gallantry.
In August 2026, Doval was also presented with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune. The award recognized his contribution to national security and public service.
Ajit Doval: Biography at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ajit Kumar Doval |
| Born | 20 January 1945 |
| Birthplace | Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand |
| Profession | Civil Servant, Intelligence Officer |
| Service | Indian Police Service |
| Known For | National Security Adviser |
| Joined IPS | 1968 |
| Major Honour | Kirti Chakra |
| Current Role | National Security Adviser |
Conclusion
So, who is Ajit Doval? He is a veteran Indian security and intelligence official who moved from the IPS and Intelligence Bureau into one of the country’s most important strategic advisory positions. His career spans intelligence assignments, national security operations and diplomatic engagements. Since becoming NSA in 2014, Ajit Doval has remained a prominent figure in India’s national-security establishment. The PMO continues to list him as the National Security Adviser in 2026.
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