Nidhi Tewari, a distinguished Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2014 batch, has made significant strides in her career, culminating in her appointment as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025. Known for her exceptional administrative skills and dedication to public service, Tewari’s journey from a small-town aspirant to a key figure in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is both inspiring and noteworthy.
Early Life and Background
Nidhi Tewari was born in Mehmurganj, a locality in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a city that holds immense cultural and political significance in India. Interestingly, Varanasi has been the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, adding a layer of connection between Tewari and her current role. Growing up in a modest household, Tewari was instilled with values of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to serving society—qualities that would later define her career.
Details about her family and early childhood remain private, as Tewari has maintained a low profile regarding her personal life. However, it is known that her upbringing in Varanasi, a hub of education and spirituality, played a crucial role in shaping her ambitions. Her early exposure to the socio-political dynamics of the region likely sparked her interest in public service, setting the stage for her future achievements.
Education and Preparation for Civil Services
Nidhi Tewari’s academic journey reflects her intellectual prowess and determination. She pursued her education with a focus on excellence, which eventually led her to crack one of India’s toughest examinations—the Civil Services Examination (CSE). In 2013, Tewari secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 96, a testament to her diligence and capability.
Before achieving this milestone, Tewari served as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi. Balancing a demanding job with rigorous preparation for the CSE showcases her multitasking abilities and resilience. Her choice to join the Indian Foreign Service, rather than the more commonly preferred Indian Administrative Service (IAS), highlights her interest in diplomacy and international affairs—an inclination that would later align with her responsibilities in the PMO.
While specific details about her schooling and undergraduate education are not widely publicized, her success in the CSE indicates a strong academic foundation, likely in subjects such as political science, international relations, or economics, which are popular among civil service aspirants.
Entry into the Indian Foreign Service
Upon clearing the Civil Services Examination in 2013, Nidhi Tewari joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2014. The IFS, an elite cadre of the Indian Civil Services, is responsible for managing India’s external affairs, including diplomacy, trade, and cultural relations. Tewari’s early career in the IFS allowed her to gain experience in international diplomacy, a field that requires sharp analytical skills, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking.
During her initial years, Tewari likely served in various capacities within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or at Indian missions abroad. While specific postings from this period are not extensively documented, her eventual assignment to the PMO suggests she excelled in her roles, earning recognition for her competence and reliability.
Career Progression in the Prime Minister’s Office
Nidhi Tewari’s association with the Prime Minister’s Office began in November 2022, when she was appointed as an Under Secretary. This marked her entry into one of the most powerful and prestigious offices in the Indian government. The PMO serves as the nerve center of executive decision-making, assisting the Prime Minister in policy formulation, governance, and coordination with various ministries.
In January 2023, Tewari’s position was re-designated as Deputy Secretary in the PMO, reflecting her growing responsibilities and the trust placed in her abilities. As Deputy Secretary, she worked in the ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical, reporting to the National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval. In this role, she handled critical portfolios such as External Affairs, Atomic Energy, Security Affairs, and oversight of the state of Rajasthan. Her work in this capacity demonstrated her capability to manage complex, high-stakes issues that impact national and international policy.
Tewari’s tenure in the PMO spanned over three years, during which she honed her skills in governance, diplomacy, and administration. Her consistent performance and strategic insights paved the way for her elevation to the role of Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Appointment as Private Secretary to PM Narendra Modi
On March 29, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the decision taking effect immediately. Announced via a memorandum from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on March 31, 2025, this appointment marked a significant milestone in her career. As Private Secretary, Tewari succeeded predecessors like Vivek Kumar and Hardik Satishchandra Shah, becoming one of the youngest officers to hold this prestigious position.
The role of Private Secretary to the Prime Minister is both challenging and influential. It involves managing the Prime Minister’s schedule, coordinating with senior officials, and ensuring seamless communication between the PMO and other government entities. Tewari’s background in the IFS and her experience in the PMO’s Foreign and Security vertical make her uniquely qualified for this position, particularly as India navigates complex global challenges.
Her appointment also underscores the Modi government’s emphasis on promoting young, dynamic officers to key positions. At a time when India is strengthening its global presence through initiatives like the G20 presidency and strategic partnerships, Tewari’s diplomatic expertise is a valuable asset to the PMO.
Key Responsibilities and Contributions
As Private Secretary, Nidhi Tewari plays a critical role in supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India. Her responsibilities include:
- Policy Coordination: Facilitating the implementation of the Prime Minister’s directives across ministries, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
- Diplomatic Engagements: Assisting in the preparation for international summits, bilateral meetings, and foreign visits, leveraging her IFS background.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing the PM’s daily engagements, official correspondence, and interactions with senior bureaucrats and political leaders.
- Strategic Inputs: Providing insights on foreign policy, security, and governance, drawing from her experience in the PMO’s Foreign and Security vertical.
Tewari’s contributions are particularly significant in the context of Modi’s third term, which began in June 2024. With a focus on economic development, technological innovation, and international diplomacy, her role ensures that the PMO operates efficiently to achieve these goals.
Personal Traits and Leadership Style
Nidhi Tewari is known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure—qualities essential for her role in the PMO. Colleagues and peers describe her as a grounded individual with a strong sense of duty. Her journey from Varanasi to the upper echelons of the Indian government reflects her resilience and adaptability, traits that resonate with Modi’s own rise from humble beginnings.
Her leadership style is characterized by a collaborative approach, balancing diplomacy with decisiveness. This has enabled her to build strong working relationships within the PMO and beyond, enhancing her effectiveness as Private Secretary.
Significance of Her Appointment
Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as Private Secretary is a milestone not only for her career but also for women in the Indian bureaucracy. As a young female IFS officer, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants, particularly women, demonstrating that dedication and merit can lead to the highest levels of government service. Her connection to Varanasi, Modi’s constituency, adds a symbolic dimension to her role, reinforcing the narrative of grassroots talent rising to prominence.
In the broader context, her elevation aligns with the Modi government’s emphasis on youth and efficiency in governance. As India positions itself as a global leader, Tewari’s expertise in foreign affairs and security strengthens the PMO’s capacity to address contemporary challenges.
Conclusion
Nidhi Tewari’s journey from a civil service aspirant in Varanasi to the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a remarkable story of ambition, hard work, and service. Her career in the Indian Foreign Service, coupled with her extensive experience in the PMO, has equipped her with the skills to excel in one of India’s most demanding roles. As she continues to support the Prime Minister in shaping India’s future, Tewari remains a figure to watch in the country’s administrative and diplomatic landscape.
Top FAQs About Nidhi Tewari IFS
1. Who is Nidhi Tewari?
Nidhi Tewari is a 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who was appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2025.
2. What is Nidhi Tewari’s educational background?
While specific details are limited, Tewari cleared the Civil Services Examination in 2013 with an All India Rank of 96, indicating a strong academic foundation.
3. Where is Nidhi Tewari from?
She hails from Mehmurganj in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is also Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency.
4. What was Nidhi Tewari’s role before becoming Private Secretary?
She served as Deputy Secretary in the PMO’s Foreign and Security vertical since January 2023, handling portfolios like External Affairs and Security Affairs.
5. When was Nidhi Tewari appointed as Private Secretary to PM Modi?
Her appointment was approved on March 29, 2025, and took effect immediately, as announced on March 31, 2025.
6. What does the Private Secretary to the PM do?
The Private Secretary manages the Prime Minister’s schedule, coordinates with officials, and supports policy implementation and diplomatic engagements.
7. How old is Nidhi Tewari?
While her exact birth date is not public, as a 2014-batch officer, she is likely in her early 30s as of 2025.
8. Is Nidhi Tewari the first woman Private Secretary to PM Modi?
There is no definitive record of her being the first female Private Secretary, but her appointment highlights the rise of women in senior bureaucratic roles.
9. What rank did Nidhi Tewari secure in the Civil Services Examination?
She secured the 96th rank in the Civil Services Examination of 2013.
10. How does Nidhi Tewari’s IFS background help in her current role?
Her experience in diplomacy and foreign affairs enhances her ability to assist the PM in international engagements and policy-making.
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