Ajit Kumar Mohanty given extension as Secretary- DAE
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty has been given extension as Secretary- Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission for a further period of one year w.e.f.
11.04.2026 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, an eminent nuclear physicist and accomplished scientific administrator, currently serves as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Atomic Energy, a position he assumed on May 03, 2023. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Dr. Mohanty has made profound contributions to nuclear physics, large-scale international scientific collaborations, and institutional leadership, placing him among India’s most respected figures in the scientific community.
Born in Odisha in 1959, Dr. Mohanty exhibited academic brilliance early in life. He completed his graduation in 1979 with Honours in Physics from MPC College, Baripada, followed by his post-graduation in Physics in 1981 from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. Driven by a deep interest in nuclear science, he joined the prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1983 after successfully graduating from the 26th Batch of the BARC Training School, an institution known for producing some of India’s finest nuclear scientists. He later obtained his doctorate from the University of Mumbai, further cementing his academic credentials.
Dr. Mohanty’s scientific work spans a wide range of areas in nuclear physics, particularly focusing on heavy-ion collisions across diverse energy regimes—from sub-Coulomb barrier energies to highly relativistic conditions. His research has utilized sophisticated experimental facilities, including the Pelletron accelerator at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). His contributions extend to major international experiments such as the PHENIX experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), USA, and the CMS experiment at CERN, Geneva. Through these collaborations, Dr. Mohanty has played a key role in advancing global understanding of nuclear matter under extreme conditions while strengthening India’s participation in frontier scientific research.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Mohanty has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing premier scientific institutions. He served as Director of the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, where he contributed to enhancing research capabilities and fostering academic excellence. He later went on to become Director of BARC, one of India’s foremost research institutions in nuclear science and technology. In these leadership roles, he emphasized innovation, interdisciplinary research, and the development of human resources, significantly contributing to India’s self-reliance in nuclear science and technology.
Dr. Mohanty has also played an active role in strengthening India’s engagement with international scientific organizations. He served as the Spokesperson for the India-CMS collaboration, demonstrating his ability to lead large, complex, and globally distributed research teams. His association with CERN as a Scientific Associate on two occasions, from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2011, highlights his continued contribution to cutting-edge global research initiatives.
Beyond his institutional responsibilities, Dr. Mohanty has contributed extensively to the scientific community through professional organizations. He served the Indian Physics Association (IPA) as General Secretary and later as President, playing a key role in promoting physics research, education, and collaboration across the country. His involvement in such bodies reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem.
His outstanding contributions have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honours. He received the Young Physicist Award from the Indian Physical Society in 1988, the Indian National Science Academy Young Scientist Award in 1991, and the Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award from the Department of Atomic Energy in 2001. In recognition of his lifelong contributions to science, research, and education, he was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) Honoris Causa by Utkal University in 2021.
As Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty is responsible for steering India’s nuclear energy programme, research initiatives, and strategic scientific developments. His role involves overseeing critical areas such as nuclear power generation, advanced research in atomic science, and international cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. With his deep scientific insight, administrative acumen, and visionary leadership, he continues to guide India’s efforts in achieving technological excellence and energy security.
Dr. Mohanty’s illustrious career exemplifies the seamless integration of scientific innovation and administrative leadership. His contributions not only advance India’s position in global nuclear research but also reinforce the nation’s commitment to self-reliance and scientific progress—an enduring reflection of excellence often highlighted in Top Indian Bureaucracy News.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty the very best.