Nidhi Tiwari: Scientist-Turned-IFS Officer Now Serving As PM Modi's Private Secretary

Nidhi Tiwari, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, serves as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s private secretary after building a career spanning scientific research, diplomacy, foreign affairs and national security. Before taking up her current role, Tiwari worked in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as a Deputy Secretary, handling matters related to foreign affairs and security.

Tiwari is from Lucknow, where she completed her schooling and graduation. After obtaining a BSc degree, she pursued postgraduate studies in Biochemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she was awarded a gold medal. Her academic background subsequently led her to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), where she began her professional career as a scientist.

Despite having a career in scientific research, Tiwari remained interested in joining the civil services. She left her position at BARC in 2008 and began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. Her initial attempt did not result in a final selection, with her name appearing on the waiting list following the 2012 examination.

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Tiwari continued her preparations and appeared for the UPSC examination again in 2013. She secured All India Rank 96 in that examination and was subsequently allocated the Indian Foreign Service. She joined the 2014 batch of IFS officers, beginning a career in government that would later take her into areas involving diplomacy, international security and national policy.

Before joining the PMO, Tiwari worked with the Ministry of External Affairs on issues concerning disarmament and international security. Her experience in foreign policy and strategic affairs provided her with exposure to subjects that are closely connected with India’s external relations and national security priorities.

Tiwari joined the PMO as an Under Secretary in November 2022 and was subsequently promoted to Deputy Secretary. During her tenure, she has also worked on security-related matters alongside National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Her progression from a BARC scientist to an IFS officer and then to a senior role in the PMO has marked a diverse government career spanning science, diplomacy, international security and national affairs.

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