Updated: Sunday, 25 October 2026, 10:34 AM IST
Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav stands out as one of the most academically accomplished and versatile officers in the Indian Administrative Service. A 1995-batch AGMUT cadre officer from Haryana, he has spent more than three decades shaping policy across finance, health, nutrition, urban services and public administration. His recent appointment as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, effective 1 November 2026, marks a significant milestone—he will be the first AGMUT cadre officer to hold this top post in the Union Territory.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Strong Academic Foundation
Born on 5 January 1969 in Haryana, Sajjan Singh Yadav cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination at a young age and joined the IAS in 1995. His educational journey is unusually rich and international in scope.
He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry from Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, followed by an MBA in Finance from the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University. He later earned a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota and an MPA in Economics from Harvard University. He completed a doctorate in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
This blend of veterinary science, finance, public policy and public health has given him a rare ability to approach governance challenges from multiple angles.
Key Career Milestones and Leadership Roles
Yadav’s career began with field postings that grounded him in district administration. He served as Assistant Commissioner in Mizoram and later as Deputy Commissioner in Arunachal Pradesh and South Delhi.
Over the years he has handled a wide range of senior positions:
- Mission Director, POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission)
- Director, National Rural Health Mission
- Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Special Secretary in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance
- Finance Commissioner (Revenue), Commissioner of Food and Supplies, VAT, Excise and Luxury Tax in Delhi
- Commissioner, East Delhi Municipal Corporation
- CEO of Delhi Jal Board (including a second stint starting June 2026)
- Additional Chief Secretary in the Delhi Government
His central deputation focused heavily on public finance, expenditure management and social sector schemes. In June 2026 he returned to Delhi as Additional Chief Secretary and CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, bringing institutional knowledge of the capital’s water and sanitation systems.
Author, Awards and Public Contribution
Beyond administration, Yadav is a published author. His national bestseller India’s Vaccine Growth Story: From Cowpox to Vaccine Maitri has been translated into multiple Indian languages and Spanish. He has also written Scaling Mount UPSC, which captures inspiring stories of young IAS officers.
His work has earned recognition, including the National e-Governance Award (2017-18) for citizen-centric service delivery and the President’s Medal for outstanding census operations.
Quick Profile Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav |
| Date of Birth | 5 January 1969 |
| Batch & Cadre | 1995, AGMUT |
| Domicile | Haryana |
| Key Qualifications | MBA (Finance), MPA (Minnesota & Harvard), DrPH (LSHTM) |
| Notable Books | India’s Vaccine Growth Story; Scaling Mount UPSC |
| Current Status (Oct 2026) | Appointed Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir (w.e.f. 1 Nov 2026) |
| Previous Key Role | ACS & CEO, Delhi Jal Board |
| Expected Retirement | Around 2029 |
Conclusion
Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav’s career reflects steady competence, continuous learning and a willingness to work across diverse sectors and geographies. From remote districts in the Northeast to the corridors of the Finance Ministry and now the top administrative post in Jammu and Kashmir, he has consistently delivered on complex assignments. His academic depth, policy experience and authorship make him a thoughtful leader at a time when J&K needs steady and informed administration. As he prepares to take charge on 1 November 2026, his journey continues to offer a strong example of what dedicated public service can achieve.