Ajit Kumar Mohanty is a renowned Indian nuclear physicist and top scientific administrator who is currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Recently, he has been granted a one-year extension in his tenure by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), effective from 11 April 2026.
Key Highlights
- Name: Ajit Kumar Mohanty
- Position: Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy
- Additional Role: Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
- Extension: 1 year (from April 11, 2026)
- Appointed as Secretary: May 3, 2023
Educational & Professional Background
Ajit Kumar Mohanty was born in Odisha in 1959 and has had an illustrious career spanning over four decades in nuclear science.
- Graduated in Physics from MPC College, Baripada
- Postgraduate from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack
- Joined Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1983
- Earned a PhD from the University of Mumbai
Scientific Contributions
Dr. Mohanty has made significant contributions in the field of nuclear physics, especially:
- Research on heavy-ion collisions across energy levels
- Participation in global experiments like:
- PHENIX (Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA)
- CMS experiment at CERN, Geneva
- Strengthening India’s presence in international nuclear research collaborations
Leadership Roles
Before becoming Secretary, he held several prestigious positions:
- Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
- Director, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
- Spokesperson for India-CMS collaboration
- President, Indian Physics Association
Awards & Recognition
His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards:
- Young Physicist Award (1988)
- INSA Young Scientist Award (1991)
- Homi Bhabha Science & Technology Award (2001)
- Honorary D.Litt. from Utkal University (2021)
Role as Secretary, DAE
As Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, he is responsible for:
- India’s nuclear energy programme
- Atomic research and innovation
- Strategic scientific development
- International cooperation in peaceful nuclear use
His leadership plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s energy security and scientific advancement.
Why His Extension Matters
The extension of Ajit Kumar Mohanty ensures:
- Continuity in India’s nuclear policy and research programs
- Stability in leadership at a critical time
- Ongoing progress in advanced atomic research and energy initiatives
Conclusion
Ajit Kumar Mohanty is one of India’s most respected scientific leaders. His extension as Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy reflects the government’s confidence in his expertise and leadership in driving India’s nuclear and scientific ambitions forward.
