Rajiv Gauba Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Income Sources, and More (2025)

A detailed biography of Rajiv Gauba covering his age, net worth, family, income sources, and contributions to India’s governance, backed by accurate 2025 updates.

Gobind Arora
Published on: 27 March 2025 1:01 PM IST
Rajiv Gauba Biography
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Rajiv Gauba Biography (PC- Social Media)

Who is Rajiv Gauba?

Rajiv Gauba is a highly respected Indian bureaucrat and retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1982 batch from the Jharkhand cadre. Born on August 15, 1959, Gauba has held several top-level administrative positions including Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, and most notably, Cabinet Secretary of India—the highest-ranking civil servant in the country.


Early Life and Education

  • Date of Birth: August 15, 1959

  • Hometown: Punjab, India

  • Education:

    • B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics from Patna Science College, Patna University

    • Gold medalist for academic excellence

Rajiv Gauba’s strong academic foundation in science and administration laid the groundwork for his effective leadership in public service.

Rajiv Gauba Biography (PC- Social Media)


Career Highlights

Entry into IAS

Gauba cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joined the IAS in 1982. His early assignments were in Bihar, where he served in key administrative roles, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and District Collector.


Key Positions Held

1. Chief Secretary of Jharkhand (2015–2016)

  • Oversaw governance reforms and development in the state.

  • Known for his focus on transparency and efficient administration.

2. Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development (2016–2017)

  • Played a significant role in urban housing and smart city initiatives.

3. Union Home Secretary (2017–2019)

  • Handled key policy and internal security responsibilities during a politically sensitive period.

4. Cabinet Secretary of India (2019–2024)

  • Appointed on August 30, 2019.

  • Served under Prime Ministers Narendra Modi during his second term.

  • Became the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary in Indian history, holding the post for five years.

  • Coordinated inter-ministerial decision-making and policy implementation at the national level.


Current Role in 2025

As of March 2025, Rajiv Gauba has taken up a new role as a full-time member of NITI Aayog, India’s premier policy think tank. In this capacity, he continues to guide national policies and reform strategies with his decades of administrative experience.


Rajiv Gauba’s Personal Life

  • Spouse: Dr. Pammi Gauba

    • Dean and Head of Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology

  • Children: One son and one daughter

His family maintains a strong academic and professional background, contributing to various fields beyond civil services.

Rajiv Gauba Biography (PC- Social Media)


Income and Net Worth (2025)

Salary Details

As Cabinet Secretary, Gauba drew a salary of ₹2.5 lakh per month, along with several government-provided benefits and allowances (as per the 7th Central Pay Commission).

Net Worth

  • Precise figures are not publicly disclosed.

  • His wealth is primarily attributed to:

    • Salary from 40+ years in government service

    • Pension and post-retirement benefits

    • Advisory roles and government think tanks (e.g., NITI Aayog)

While not commercially inclined, his long tenure in top government roles ensures a comfortable and dignified lifestyle.


Achievements and Legacy

Rajiv Gauba is considered a technocrat-bureaucrat known for:

  • Efficient governance

  • Clear policy implementation

  • Administrative reforms

  • Modernization of internal security systems

Major Contributions

  • Played a key role in Digital India and Smart Cities Mission

  • Helped modernize disaster management systems

  • Known for calm, non-political, and strategic problem-solving abilities


Why Rajiv Gauba is Still Relevant in 2025

Despite retiring from active IAS service, Rajiv Gauba remains influential due to:

  • His appointment in NITI Aayog

  • Policy advisory roles at the national level

  • Strong relationships with key stakeholders in Indian governance

  • Continued involvement in high-level decision-making

His expertise is now used to shape long-term reforms and economic strategies for India.

Rajiv Gauba Biography (PC- Social Media)


Expert Opinions on Rajiv Gauba

Many political and administrative experts regard Gauba as a:

  • "Policy architect" of modern governance in India

  • Advocate for e-governance and bureaucratic efficiency

  • Symbol of non-partisan administration


5 Interesting Facts About Rajiv Gauba

  1. Longest-serving Cabinet Secretary in India’s history (5 years).

  2. Led the formation of several Smart City initiatives.

  3. Was part of key internal security decisions during crucial events.

  4. Known for his low-profile and high-impact working style.

  5. Has served both at state and central levels with distinction.


What Makes Rajiv Gauba Unique Among IAS Officers?

  • He has always kept himself away from public limelight.

  • Focused more on execution than announcements.

  • Recognized for stability, calmness, and policy depth.

  • Regularly consulted by the central government even post-retirement.


Quotes and Praise

"Gauba is a silent reformer who lets his work speak. His term as Cabinet Secretary reflects India's administrative excellence." – Senior bureaucrat (anonymous)

"He is one of the finest officers India has produced." – Former Home Secretary, anonymous


Summary

Rajiv Gauba’s life and work exemplify the true spirit of public service. From humble beginnings to the highest administrative office in the country, his legacy is built on quiet efficiency, impactful decision-making, and unwavering dedication to the nation. Now as a full-time member of NITI Aayog in 2025, he continues to serve India, bringing his decades of experience to shape its future.


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Gobind Arora

Gobind Arora

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