Early Life & Education
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Birth date: 3 December 1969.
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Education: He holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science from Delhi University.
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Cadre: Bihar. Joined the IAS in the 1994 batch.
Career Trajectory
Over three decades in the civil services, Atish Chandra has held a variety of important posts, both in the State (Bihar) administration and at the Centre. Some key positions:
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Served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. (Abhipedia)
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Appointed Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary. (Abhipedia)
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Later, posted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as Additional Secretary.
Recent Developments & Key Posts
One of the more recent and significant steps in his career:
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In August 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) elevated Atish Chandra (IAS 1994, Bihar cadre) to the post of Special Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). (Elets eGov)
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He was already serving as Additional Secretary in the PMO before this elevation. (The Indian Express)
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He has also been empanelled (approved) to hold Secretary or equivalent level positions in the Government of India. (The Indian Express)
Role & Responsibilities
As Special Secretary, PMO, and in prior roles, his responsibilities likely include:
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Supporting high-level decision making processes in the PMO.
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Coordination between various ministries and departments on behalf of the PMO.
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Policy implementation oversight, possibly guiding important central administrative initiatives.
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Ensuring alignment between central and state policies, especially given his background in Bihar.
Known Controversies or Notable Criticism
As of current available information, there are no major controversies directly involving Atish Chandra that have been widely reported in credible news sources recently. A few historical mentions offer context, but nothing rises to scandal-level in major media.
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One historical reference comes from 2015 when, during the tenure of Jitan Ram Manjhi (then Chief Minister of Bihar), there was commentary about caste and power dynamics. Atish Chandra (1994 batch) was mentioned among Dalit IAS officers occupying key positions under Manjhi’s government. The discussions were largely political and about appointments rather than allegations of wrongdoing. (Hindustan Times)
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There is no recent credible news (last year or so) that implicates him in corruption, misconduct, or any legal controversy.
Recent News Highlights
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The ACC’s reshuffle in August 2025 is the most significant recent change: Atish Chandra’s promotion to Special Secretary in PMO. (Elets eGov)
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His empanelment among Secretary-level IAS officers of the 1994 batch confirms the government's confidence in his seniority and ability to handle roles at the highest administrative levels. (The Indian Express)
Skills & Reputation
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Known to be fluent in both English and Hindi.
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Has had experience in agriculture/welfare, food distribution, state-centre coordination, etc.
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As someone from the Bihar cadre, his administrative experience in state issues is complemented by his central roles, making him a bureaucrat with both ground experience and federal exposure.
Top Interesting Facts about Atish Chandra
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He is among the IAS officers from Bihar (1994 batch) who have made it to very senior levels in the central government (Special Secretary in PMO).
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Educational background in Political Science from Delhi University, which is somewhat common among IAS but gives good grounding for policy / administrative roles.
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Was CMD of the Food Corporation of India, indicating trust with handling large national value chains of food security & distribution.
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Empanelled for Secretary-level posts: this is a milestone that indicates he is considered capable of heading major ministries or departments.
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Part of major bureaucratic reshuffles, especially in 2025, reflecting changing priorities and leadership alignments at the central government.
FAQs
Q1. What is the current position of Atish Chandra?
A1. As of August 2025, he has been elevated to Special Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Before that, he was Additional Secretary in PMO. (Elets eGov)
Q2. What batch and cadre is he from?
A2. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre.
Q3. What education qualifications does he have?
A3. He has B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from Delhi University.
Q4. Has he been involved in any controversies?
A4. No major controversies are known recently. There are some historical political discussions around his appointments in Bihar, especially in relation to caste dynamics, but nothing damaging. (The New Indian Express)
Q5. What are his major past roles?
A5. Among others, he was Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, CMD of FCI, Additional Secretary / now Special Secretary in PMO. (Abhipedia)
Q6. Is he empanelled for Secretary-level posts?
A6. Yes. He is part of the group of 1994 batch officers empanelled for Secretary or equivalent positions in the central government. (The Indian Express)

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