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Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-06-26 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Internal Security, Intelligence Bureau, IPS Appointment ///Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-06-26 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Internal Security, Intelligence Bureau, IPS Appointment ///

Source: TH · GS Paper 3

Mahesh Dixit Appointed Intelligence Bureau Chief

Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) for two years. He succeeds Tapan Kumar Deka who served for four years. The IB is India's premier internal security and domestic intelligence agency functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2026-06-26

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Source: TH

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Appointment Details

Name: Mahesh Dixit
Service: Indian Police Service (IPS), 1993 Batch
Cadre: Andhra Pradesh
Post: Director, Intelligence Bureau
Tenure: Two years
Predecessor: Tapan Kumar Deka

Intelligence Bureau (IB) - Overview

Historical Background

Commonly traced to the Central Special Branch established in 1887
Some accounts link its origins to India's first intelligence unit set up by Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor in 1885
Has colonial-era roots and evolved over decades to become India's premier intelligence agency

Institutional Position

Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Director of IB is part of the Strategic Policy Group and Joint Intelligence Committee of the National Security Council
Reports directly to the Prime Minister
Acts as India's internal security and domestic intelligence agency

Mandate

Counter terrorism in coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies
Collect and disseminate intelligence
Protect critical infrastructure, especially aviation security
Guard against secessionist activities
Ensure internal security of the nation

Security Clearances

Conducts background checks for security clearances of:
Diplomats
Judges
Other important individuals and dignitaries

Composition

Personnel drawn from multiple law enforcement agencies:
Indian Police Service (IPS) - majority
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Military
Other intelligence professionals

Significance for India's Governance

Critical agency for maintaining internal security
Coordinates with multiple security agencies for threat assessment
Provides intelligence inputs for policy decisions at highest level
Plays vital role in counter-terrorism operations
Essential for protecting national interests within borders

Constitutional/Institutional Framework

Part of the National Security Council (NSC) structure
Works within the framework of federal intelligence coordination
Responsible to the elected government through the Prime Minister's Office