India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Kumar Doval is one of the country’s most prominent security strategists, known for his decades-long career in intelligence and national security. While he is widely recognised for his role in shaping India’s security policies, Doval also has a strong academic background.

Doval completed his schooling at the Ajmer Military School (formerly King George’s Royal Indian Military School) in Rajasthan. He later earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Agra University (now Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra) in 1967, graduating with first rank in his class. (NSA Ajit Doval with Chinese President Xi Jinping)

After completing his education, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968 as part of the Kerala cadre. He began his policing career by serving in various districts of Kerala before moving into intelligence work.

During his career, Doval served in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), India’s domestic intelligence agency, where he spent more than three decades. He was involved in several high-profile intelligence and counter-insurgency operations, including assignments in Mizoram, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast.

He also worked undercover for extended periods and is known for gathering intelligence in some of India’s most challenging security environments. (NSA Ajit Doval with Russian President Vladimir Putin)

Doval headed the Intelligence Bureau as its Director from 2004 until his retirement in 2005. Following his retirement, he founded the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a New Delhi-based public policy think tank, and served as its founding Director.

In May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Doval as India’s National Security Adviser. Since then, he has played a key role in India’s national security decision-making, including counter-terrorism strategy, intelligence coordination, border security and foreign policy matters. He was reappointed for a second term in 2019 and continues to serve in the position.

Apart from his academic degree, Doval completed the 30th Course at the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi, in 1990, where senior civil and military officers receive advanced training in national security and strategic studies.