Inspiring accounts: All about Preeti Sudan, the new UPSC Chairperson

Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). In her new capacity, the 64 year old will spearhead several tasks of the Commission which conducts the civil services exam, touted as one of the most competitive exams of the country that selects candidates for IAS, IPS and other top services.
Sudan will take over charge from Manoj Soni, who resigned from UPSC a few days before citing "personal reasons.” Soni, who began working with the UPSC as a member in 2017, was sworn in as the chairperson of the commission on May 16, 2023.His tenure was supposed to end in 2029. The UPSC has been embroiled in controversy following allegations against trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly forged identity papers to gain entry into the civil service. According to sources Soni's decision to step down is not related to the recent controversy involving UPSC candidates accused of submitting fraudulent certificates to secure employment.
The 1983 batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh cadre will be in office till April 2025.
"Her career stint includes high profiles like Union Health Secretary from which she retired in July 2020, Secretary in Food & Public Distribution Department and in the Ministry of Women & Child Development and Defence," as per UPSC portal.
She has made many notable contributions in various National programmes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ayushman Bharat, Legislation on National Medical Commission, Allied Health Professionals Commission and ban of e-cigarettes.
She also served as a Consultant with the World Bank.
She has obtained M.Phil in Economics and MSc in Social Policy and Planning from London School of Economics and Political Science.

On November 29, 2022 she had joined as a Member in the UPSC.
The UPSC conducts examinations for appointment to the services of the Union, holds direct recruitment by selection through interviews, appoints officers on promotion / deputation / absorption, frames and amends Recruitment Rules for various services and posts under the Government, takes disciplinary cases relating to different Civil Services and advises the Government on any matter referred to the Commission by the President of India.
(With inputs from agencies)