Smt Susan Thomas IRS (IT 2001) has been appointed as Joint Secretary at the Centre.
Ms. Susan Thomas, a 2001-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), is an inspiring blend of administrative excellence, academic brilliance, and creative expression. Over the course of her career, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a civil servant in contemporary India, combining intellectual depth with hands-on governance and a deeply human approach to leadership.
An academic achiever from the start, Ms. Thomas graduated with a university first rank in History from St. Teresa’s College, followed by advanced studies in public policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and the University of Oxford. This rare academic foundation has enriched her perspective on governance, enabling her to bring nuance, foresight, and empathy to every assignment she undertakes.
In her roles within the Income Tax Department, including as Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Bengaluru, she has contributed meaningfully to streamlining tax administration and ensuring responsive public service delivery. But her talents extend far beyond the tax sphere. She served with distinction as Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bengaluru, where she brought policy sensibility to a creative educational environment — a testament to her versatility and passion for institutional development.
Ms. Thomas is also a powerful voice in public discourse. A four-time TEDx speaker, she is widely respected for her ability to communicate complex ideas in relatable, impactful ways. Whether on stage or online — including her widely followed appearances on platforms like Instagram — she is known for making government work not just accessible but exciting to the next generation. Her talk “Why working in the government is lit” captures her mission: to humanize bureaucracy and energize public service with authenticity and purpose.
Recently empanelled for Joint Secretary or equivalent positions in the Government of India, Ms. Susan Thomas is widely regarded as a thought leader in governance circles. Her journey continues to inspire aspirants and officers alike, proving that administrative service can be as intellectually fulfilling as it is socially transformative.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Smt Susan Thomas the very best.
