Who is S Radha Chauhan? The Former IAS Officer Chosen to Lead the CBSE Procurement Inquiry

S Radha Chauhan, is a senior retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She has been appointed to head the Centre's inquiry into the procurement process for the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) on-screen marking system. Her appointment has sparked widespread interest, with many people searching to learn more about the veteran bureaucrat and her distinguished career in public administration.

Why Is S Radha Chauhan in the News?

The Central Government has constituted a one-member committee to examine matters related to the procurement of services for CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. The committee is headed by S Radha Chauhan, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission. The panel has been tasked with reviewing the procurement process and will submit its report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) within one month.

Who Is S Radha Chauhan?

S Radha Chauhan is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, she has held several key administrative positions at both the state and central government levels.

Known for her experience in governance, education, digital administration, and personnel management, Chauhan retired as Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 30, 2025.

Following her retirement, the Government of India appointed her as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, recognising her extensive administrative experience and leadership credentials.

Educational Background and Early Career

S Radha Chauhan is a law graduate who joined the Indian Administrative Service after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Throughout her career, she served in several influential positions across Uttar Pradesh and the central government.

Her administrative experience includes serving as:

• Commissioner of Ghaziabad
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority
• Deputy CEO of Greater Noida Authority
• District Magistrate of Bulandshahr
• District Magistrate of Pilibhit
• District Magistrate of Agra
• District Magistrate of Meerut
• Additional Commissioner in Uttar Pradesh Administration

These assignments helped establish her reputation as an experienced administrator with expertise in governance and public service delivery.

Key Roles in the Central Government

S Radha Chauhan has also played important roles within the Government of India.

Between 2011 and 2015, she served as Joint Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Her experience in the education sector is particularly relevant to her current role in the CBSE inquiry.

 

She later served as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), contributing to digital governance initiatives and public service transformation.

What Is the Capacity Building Commission?

In August 2025, S Radha Chauhan was appointed Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, an institution created under the Government of India's Mission Karmayogi programme.

The Commission focuses on improving the skills, training, and capacity of civil servants across India. It works to modernise governance systems and strengthen public administration through continuous learning and professional development.

According to reports, the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission reports directly to the Prime Minister 

Who Is S Radha Chauhan's Husband?

S Radha Chauhan's husband is Devendra Singh Chauhan, a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Originally from Maharashtra, Dr Devendra Singh Chauhan completed his MBBS degree before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He went on to serve as Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh Police during his distinguished policing career.

Why Has the Centre Chosen S Radha Chauhan?

The Centre's decision to appoint S Radha Chauhan to lead the CBSE On-Screen Marking probe is widely seen as a reflection of her extensive experience in administration, education governance, personnel management, and public sector reforms.

Her previous roles in the education ministry, digital governance initiatives, and senior administrative leadership positions make her one of the most experienced officers suited to oversee such an inquiry.

Quick Facts About S Radha Chauhan

• 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre
• Former Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)
• Current Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission
• Former Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy
• Former CEO, Noida Authority
• Former Chairperson and CEO, National e-Governance Division (NeGD)
• Heading the Centre's CBSE On-Screen Marking procurement inquiry
• Married to former UP DGP Dr Devendra Singh Chauhan

As the CBSE On-Screen Marking investigation progresses, S Radha Chauhan's findings are expected to attract significant attention from policymakers, educators, and students across the country.