Hardik Shah appointed private secretary to PM

IAS officer Dr Hardik Satish Chandra Shah of the 2010 Gujarat cadre has been appointed as the personal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the level of joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The appointment has been made on a coterminous basis, meaning his tenure will continue alongside that of the Prime Minister. Dr Shah, who has been associated with the PMO since 2019, will now officially hold this position until May 31, 2029.

This is not a new responsibility for Dr Shah, as he has already been serving in this role since August 17, 2020. His formal elevation follows his selection to the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent in February 2026, further strengthening his position within the PMO.

Dr Shah began his journey in the Prime Minister’s Office as a deputy secretary between 2019 and 2020, where he became part of the core administrative team involved in high-level policy coordination and governance. Before joining the Indian Administrative Service, Dr Shah worked as a junior engineer with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). Over the years, he has held several important administrative roles in Gujarat, building a reputation for his expertise and efficiency. His appointment is seen as a recognition of his experience and contribution to governance at the highest level, as he continues to play a key role in supporting the Prime Minister’s office.