Chief Secretary (India)

The post of Chief Secretary is the most senior position held in the civil services of the states and union territories of India.

Chief Secretaries are members of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and are classified as being in the Apex Grade. They rank above Principal Secretaries but are subordinate to the Cabinet Secretary of India. Traditionally, the most senior IAS officer within a state is chosen as the Chief Secretary, however, there are exceptions to this. Chief Secretaries may also be helped by Additional Chief Secretaries and Special Chief Secretaries.

Chief Secretaries are chosen by the state's Chief Minister and appointed by the state's Governor. In the union territories which are governed by Administrators, and therefore do not have a Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary is appointed by the Union Government. In the union territories of Delhi and Puducherry, which have been granted partial statehood, the Chief Minister chooses the Chief Secretary and is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

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