Secretary department of Economics Affairs Ajay Seth is one of the three strongest contenders for the selection as SEBI Chairperson on February 28, 2025.
Mr Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, currently serves as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in the Ministry of Finance, a position he assumed on April 15, 2021.
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee).
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines.
Professional Experience
With over three decades of service, Mr Ajay Seth has held key roles across various domains:
- Public Finance and Taxation: Nearly 18 years of experience in financial administration.
- Social Sector: Around three years dedicated to social sector projects.
- Urban Transport and Infrastructure: About three years focusing on urban transport and infrastructure development.
Mr Seth has worked with the Union Government, the Government of Karnataka, and the Asian Development Bank.
Notable Achievements
- Recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2013) as part of a team that transformed Karnataka’s commercial tax administration.
Additional Responsibilities
In December 2024, Mr Seth was given the additional charge of Revenue Secretary following Sanjay Malhotra’s appointment as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. His dual role reflects the government’s trust in his expertise in managing critical financial portfolios.
Mr Seth’s extensive experience and strong educational background have significantly influenced India’s economic policies and reforms.
