Nripendra Misra, Indian Civil Servant
Indian Civil Servant

Nripendra Misra

Born 8 March 1945 · verify

Serving as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2019.

Nripendra Misra is a retired Indian Administrative Service officer (IAS) of the 1967 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who served as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2019. He previously served as the chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Telecom Secretary of India and the Fertilizers Secretary of India. He was awarded India's third highest civilian award the Padma Bhushan in 2021.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Nripendra Misra earned postgraduate degrees in chemistry, political science, and public administration before joining the IAS in 1967.

The Story

1
In 1967, Nripendra Misra joined the Indian Administrative Service from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, beginning a career that would span critical government sectors over five decades.
2
🎓 By the early 1970s, he earned an MPA from Harvard's Kennedy School, blending Indian bureaucracy with global public administration insights.
3Between 1985 and 1988, Misra served as Minister (Economic) at India's embassy in Washington, D.C., navigating complex trade and diplomatic challenges during a pivotal Cold War era.
4In January 2002, he became Fertilizers Secretary of India, overseeing policy during a time of agricultural shifts and subsidy debates.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1985, Misra was posted as Minister (Economic) to India’s embassy in Washington, D.C., during a critical phase of Indo-US economic relations amid Cold War tensions.

🖼️

Through the Years

3 photographs from the archives
Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, seen at PMJDY launch exhibition in New Delhi (2014).
Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, seen at PMJDY launch exhibition in New Delhi (2014).
2014
Nripendra Misra attending Conference of State Environment and Forest Ministers in New Delhi (2015).
Nripendra Misra with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and N. Chandra Babu Naidu in New Delhi (2015).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Uttar Pradesh
Nripendra Misra was born on 8 March 1945, beginning life in the state from which he would enter civil service.
1945
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Career
Joined Indian Administrative Service
Entered IAS in 1967 from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, initiating a wide-ranging bureaucratic career.
1967
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Career
Minister (Economic) in Washington, D.C.
Served as Minister (Economic) at the Indian embassy in the United States from August 1985 to July 1988.
1985
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Career
Appointed Fertilizers Secretary of India
Took office as Fertilizers Secretary in January 2002, overseeing critical agricultural subsidy policies until January 2004.
2002
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Career
Became Telecom Secretary and Commission Chair
Assumed office as Telecom Secretary and Telecom Commission Chair in January 2004, serving until March 2005.
2004
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Career
Chairperson of TRAI
Appointed Chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in March 2006, leading telecom regulation until March 2009.
2006
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Career
Principal Secretary to PM Modi
Became Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serving from 2014 to 2019 and influencing policy at the highest level.
2014
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, recognizing his public service contributions.
2021
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Misra led the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India from 2006 to 2009, a period marked by rapid growth in mobile telephony and regulatory challenges in India.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He holds an MPA from Harvard's Kennedy School and postgraduate degrees in chemistry and political science, an unusual combination for an IAS officer.

03 / 04
💡SURPRISING

Misra served as Fertilizers Secretary of India during 2002–2004, overseeing policies affecting one of India's crucial agricultural sectors with complex subsidy structures.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
IN CONVERSATION - NRIPENDRA MISHRA
·YouTube
More from this archive
IN CONVERSATION - NRIPENDRA MISHRA
01
IN CONVERSATION - NRIPENDRA MISHRA
YouTube
“PM was not in favour of Rs 2000 notes…” Former Principal Secretary to PM Modi reveals
02
“PM was not in favour of Rs 2000 notes…” Former Principal Secretary to PM Modi reveals
YouTube
Mr. Nripendra Misra speaks on the chapter he has written in the book "Modi@20:Dreams Meet Delivery"
03
Mr. Nripendra Misra speaks on the chapter he has written in the book "Modi@20:Dreams Meet Delivery"
YouTube
Ram Mandir Rises: Nripendra Misra, Chairman, Ram Mandir Trust EXCLUSIVE | Jab We Met | Promo
04
Ram Mandir Rises: Nripendra Misra, Chairman, Ram Mandir Trust EXCLUSIVE | Jab We Met | Promo
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Misra’s leadership as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister helped streamline decision-making at the highest government levels, influencing reforms in telecom and agriculture. His tenure at TRAI guided regulatory frameworks that underpin India’s telecom expansion. His multifaceted roles in ministries and international postings contributed nuanced bureaucratic expertise across sectors.

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