The Centre has appointed senior IPS officer Mahesh Dixit as the next director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), India’s premier domestic intelligence agency. He will succeed Tapan Deka, whose extended tenure comes to an end on June 30.
Dixit, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as the special director of the IB, the second-highest position in the organisation.
From doctor to intelligence chief
Before joining the Indian Police Service, Mahesh Dixit trained as a medical doctor. Over the years, he built a career in intelligence and internal security, handling several sensitive assignments within the country.
Per a report by Hindustan Times, officials describe him as an officer with extensive operational and intelligence experience, particularly in dealing with internal security issues and counter-terrorism operations.
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Dixit previously headed the Kashmir Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau and played a role in maintaining law and order in the Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370.
He has also handled assignments related to the Northeast, Ladakh and anti-Naxal operations, giving him experience across different security challenges, reported HT.
Mahesh Dixit, IPS (AP:93), Special Director, Intelligence Bureau appointed as Director, Intelligence Bureau, for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier: Official order https://t.co/gRXaL8lLz9 pic.twitter.com/rP3rkCI6d2
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2026
Appointment approved for two years
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved his appointment for a two-year term.
“The appointments committee of the cabinet has approved the appointment of Mahesh Dixit, IPS (AP:93), special director, intelligence bureau, as director, intelligence bureau, vice Shri Tapan Kumar Deka, IPS, for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier, by granting extension in service….” the government order on his appointment reads, per HT.
The government has also granted him an extension in service under existing rules to enable him to take charge of the country's top intelligence post.
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Role of the Intelligence Bureau
The Intelligence Bureau is responsible for gathering intelligence related to terrorism, internal security, regional conflicts and counter-intelligence. The agency also assists state police forces and other security organisations.
During the tenure of outgoing IB chief Tapan Deka, the agency focused on counter-terrorism operations, intelligence coordination and emerging security threats across the country.
FAQs:
Who is Mahesh Dixit?
Mahesh Dixit is a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre and the next IB chief.
What is Mahesh Dixit’s current role?
He is currently serving as the special director of the Intelligence Bureau.
