Nidhi Tewari, a 2014 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as announced by the Department of Personnel & Training on March 30, 2025. This significant appointment highlights Tewari's rapid rise within the ranks of the Indian bureaucracy.
Previously serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Tewari's new role has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. According to the official notice, she will assume her responsibilities at Level 12 of the pay matrix on a co-terminus basis or until further orders, whichever comes first.
Born in the Mahmoorganj area of Varanasi, Tewari has demonstrated her capabilities from an early stage in her career. She secured the 96th rank in the highly competitive Civil Services Examination in 2013, a feat that paved the way for her entry into the IFS. Before her appointment in the PMO, she worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi, balancing her job while preparing for the civil services exam.
At the PMO, Tewari has been an integral part of the ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical, which reports directly to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Her responsibilities have included overseeing critical areas such as External Affairs, Atomic Energy, and Security Affairs, as well as managing issues related to the state of Rajasthan.
In her new capacity as Private Secretary, Tewari will receive a salary aligned with Pay Matrix Level-14, amounting to ₹1,44,200 per month. Additionally, she will be entitled to various allowances, including dearness allowance, house allowance, and travel allowance, bringing her total monthly remuneration to approximately ₹2 lakh.
Tewari's journey in the PMO began in 2022 when she joined as an Under Secretary. Her promotion to Deputy Secretary occurred on January 6, 2023, marking a significant step in her career. Her expertise in international relations, honed during her previous tenure at the Ministry of External Affairs in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, has equipped her with the skills necessary for her new role.
Her connection to Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency in Varanasi is notable, as she has been associated with the area since Modi's first Lok Sabha election in 2014. This background may provide her with unique insights into the political dynamics of the region.
As Tewari steps into her new position, she is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating communication and coordination between the Prime Minister's Office and various ministries, particularly in matters concerning foreign policy and national security.
In summary, Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only reflects her personal achievements but also underscores the growing representation of capable women in high-ranking government positions in India. Her career trajectory serves as an inspiration for many aspiring civil servants and highlights the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success in public service.
