The Central Government has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as the Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a further period of six months, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the country’s apex direct tax administration body.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his reappointment on a contract basis from July 1 to December 31, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
ACC Approves Fresh Tenure
According to an official order, Ravi Agrawal will continue as CBDT Chairman under the standard terms and conditions applicable to re-employed Central Government officers. The appointment has been made by relaxing the existing recruitment rules to facilitate the extension.
The decision is expected to provide continuity in tax administration and ongoing policy initiatives under the Income Tax Department.
Experienced IRS Officer to Continue at the Helm
Ravi Agrawal is a 1988-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Income Tax cadre.
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He was appointed as CBDT Chairman in June 2024, succeeding Nitin Gupta. Before taking over the top position, he served as Member (Administration) in the CBDT from July 2023.
His tenure was earlier extended for one year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. With the latest approval, he will continue to head the board until the end of December 2026 or until further orders.
CBDT’s Role in Direct Tax Administration
The Central Board of Direct Taxes functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and is the apex policymaking body for direct taxes in India.
Headed by a chairman and supported by up to six members holding the rank of Special Secretary to the Government of India, the board is responsible for administering direct tax laws, formulating tax policies, improving taxpayer services and strengthening tax compliance across the country.
Extension Comes Amid Strong Tax Collection Growth
The government’s decision comes at a time when direct tax collections continue to register healthy growth.
According to the Income Tax Department, net direct tax collections increased by 14.64 per cent year-on-year to ₹5.21 lakh crore during the period from April 1 to June 17 of the current financial year.
The continued growth in tax revenues reflects improved compliance, higher economic activity and sustained efforts by the tax administration to enhance efficiency and taxpayer services.
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Focus on Stability in Tax Administration
By extending Ravi Agrawal’s tenure, the government has ensured leadership continuity at a crucial time for tax administration and revenue mobilisation. The move is expected to support the ongoing implementation of policy reforms, strengthen compliance initiatives and maintain stability in the functioning of the CBDT.
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Key Highlights
- The Central Government has reappointed Ravi Agrawal as CBDT Chairman for six months.
- The ACC approved his tenure from July 1 to December 31, 2026, or until further orders.
- Ravi Agrawal is a 1988-batch IRS officer and has been serving as CBDT Chairman since June 2024.
- He previously served as Member (Administration) in the CBDT before assuming the top post.
- The extension ensures continuity in the leadership of India’s apex direct tax administration body amid strong growth in direct tax collections.