Working directly with the Prime Minister of India is not just a dream—it’s one of the most important and influential jobs in the Indian administration. Among all positions around the Prime Minister, the Private Secretary holds a very trusted and high-responsibility role. The position requires experience, discipline, strong governance, and knowledge of national policy.
Recently, Nidhi Tiwari, an officer from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), was appointed as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing public interest towards this prestigious post. But how is someone selected for this role? What qualifications are required? Can any common aspirant aim for this post?
Let’s understand in simple words the journey and the process behind becoming the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.
What Exactly Does the PM’s Private Secretary Do?
The title of “Private Secretary” might sound like a regular assistant job, but it is far more significant in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). This officer works closely with the PM and ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Here’s what the job involves:
- Organizing and managing the PM’s official schedule and high-level meetings.
- Managing and reviewing confidential documents and communication.
- Acting as a bridge between the PM and various ministries, departments, or foreign officials.
- Preparing notes, briefings, and summaries for policy meetings.
- Assisted in policy discussions and followed up on government decisions.
The private secretary often travels with the prime minister and is present at top-level meetings, representing the PMO at many administrative points.
Who Can Become the PM’s Private Secretary?
This post is not open to the general public or any fresh graduates. The Private Secretary to the PM is usually selected from among senior bureaucrats in India, mostly from:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Occasionally, from other All India Services or Central Civil Services
It is common for officers with at least 10 years of administrative experience to be considered. These officers are already part of India’s top civil services and have undergone strict competitive processes before serving in different state or central government positions.
In the case of Nidhi, Tiwari is an IFS officer of the 2014 batch and served earlier in the PMO as Deputy Secretary before being appointed as the Private Secretary. Her experience and career achievements made her fit for this high-trust role.
What is the Educational Requirement?
To begin the journey towards such a post, one must crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination—India’s most challenging and respected exam. Here’s the process to get there:
- Graduate Degree: Basic eligibility is a graduation degree from any stream from a recognized university.
- UPSC Civil Services Exam: This exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Main Exam (Written, Descriptive)
- Personality Test (Interview)
The subjects include General Studies, Indian History, Geography, Constitution, Economy, Current Affairs, Science and Technology, and an optional subject.
Nidhi Tiwari secured Rank 96 in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2013, and her selection in the Indian Foreign Service was based on that ranking.
Before clearing UPSC, she had also worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi, which means she had practical field experience before joining IFS.
How Are Private Secretaries Appointed?
The appointment process is not like regular job interviews. The selection is based on:
- Internal screening and recommendation by senior PMO or Ministry of Personnel officers.
- Officer’s track record, discipline, loyalty, and administrative performance.
- Officers already serving in the PMO or working closely with central ministries may get a preference.
Once shortlisted, a formal approval is issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which the Prime Minister himself heads.
This process ensures only highly trusted and skilled officers reach the PM’s team.
What is the Salary of the PM’s Private Secretary?
This position carries not just respect but also top-tier government pay and benefits. The salary falls under Level 14 of the Pay Matrix, which applies to Joint Secretary-level officers in the Government of India.
- Basic Pay: Rs. 1,44,200 per month (approx.)
- Allowances: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other special government perks.
The total monthly income, including allowances, can go up to Rs. 2.2 lakh or more, depending on the place of posting and service conditions.
Additionally, the Private Secretary gets access to:
- Official government vehicle
- Staff support
- Security arrangements
- Accommodation in Lutyens’ Delhi or other government quarters
- Priority access to sensitive government information and participation in confidential policy discussions
What Can Aspirants Learn from Nidhi Tiwari’s Journey?
Nidhi’s journey to the PMO highlights the importance of long-term commitment, hard work, and service dedication. Her example tells young aspirants that:
- UPSC is the gateway to top government positions.
- Early administrative experience adds value.
- Serving in key ministries or departments can lead to central postings.
- Women officers today are taking key positions at the highest levels of government, breaking stereotypes and proving excellence.
If someone dreams of being in such a powerful and impactful position, it starts with focused UPSC preparation and continues with consistent performance in the civil services.
Final Note
One cannot apply for the position of Private Secretary to the Prime Minister on a job portal. It is earned through years of service, trust, and administrative experience. For young aspirants, cracking the UPSC exam is the first step. But beyond that, what matters is how they serve the country and grow within the system.
If you have a vision to support the Prime Minister of India and be part of national-level decisions, start early, stay committed, and aim high.
Source: UPSC, PMO, Wikipedia
