Ravi Agrawal Gets One-Year Extension as CBDT Chairman

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the re-appointment of senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Ravi Agrawal as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), extending his tenure for one more year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, or until further orders.

Agrawal, a 1988-batch IRS officer from the Income Tax cadre, will continue to head the CBDT, the apex decision-making authority for direct tax administration in India. His re-appointment has been made on a contract basis, with service terms aligned to standard conditions applicable to re-employed officers in the central government. The move has been carried out under relaxed provisions of the relevant recruitment rules.

Currently leading the policy and administrative wing of the Income Tax Department, Agrawal assumed charge as CBDT Chairman in June 2024, taking over from his predecessor Nitin Gupta, a 1986-batch IRS officer.

Prior to his elevation as Chairman, Agrawal served as a Member (Administration) of the CBDT starting July 2023. His tenure has been marked by deep engagement with the department's operational and policy landscape, making him a key figure in shaping India’s direct tax strategy.

As Chairman, Agrawal will continue to advise the Finance Ministry on crucial matters related to income tax and lead the CBDT in framing and implementing tax policy reforms. The board is composed of a chairman and six members, all holding the rank of special secretary to the Government of India.