This article explores the remuneration, allowances, and benefits received by Ajit Doval, detailing how his compensation aligns with the significant responsibilities of his role. For those interested in India’s national security framework or the earnings of its senior government officials, this comprehensive overview provides insight into Ajit Doval’s pay as National Security Advisor.
Introduction
Ajit Doval’s compensation as India’s National Security Advisor has drawn considerable public attention. As the current NSA, he holds a critical position, guiding India’s internal and external security strategies. His extensive background in intelligence, counter-terrorism, and strategic operations establishes him as a preeminent security figure in India. Appointed as NSA in 2014, Ajit Doval has served as a pivotal national decision-maker, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. His significant contributions led to his elevation to the rank of Cabinet Minister in 2019, placing him among the highest-ranking Indian government officials. This promotion substantially impacted Ajit Doval’s salary, aligning it with that of other senior Union Cabinet ministers.
Who is Ajit Doval? A Glimpse into the Man Who Shaped India’s National Security
Understanding Ajit Doval’s remarkable career provides context for his current role as India’s National Security Advisor. Often dubbed the “James Bond of India,” his distinguished intelligence and national security career spans over five decades. Ajit Doval began as an IPS officer from the 1968 batch of the Kerala cadre. He transitioned into intelligence, dedicating decades to the Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he rose to become its Director in 2004. His tenure at the IB was marked by significant operations, including undercover assignments in Pakistan and the Northeast, which earned him the Kirti Chakra—India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award and the first ever presented to a police officer. His notable accomplishments include:
- Successfully penetrating militant organisations in Kashmir.
- Coordinating the peaceful de-escalation of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking.
- Planning the 2015 Myanmar surgical strikes.
- Providing strategic input to the Balakot airstrikes and India’s Doklam confrontation with China.
Doval’s rise within India’s intelligence community has been rapid. He participated in high-stakes operations across Punjab, Kashmir, and Pakistan, and is widely acknowledged for reshaping India’s security strategy with bold, intelligence-driven methods. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed him as the National Security Advisor, a position he continues to hold with significant influence. His promotion to the level of a Cabinet Minister in June 2019 underscored his strategic importance and national prominence, directly affecting his salary, benefits, and standing.
Ajit Doval Salary: Official Figures and Perks
When examining Ajit Doval’s salary, it’s essential to consider both the official figures and the comprehensive compensation package that comes with his high-ranking role as National Security Advisor (NSA). Following his appointment in 2014 and subsequent elevation to Cabinet Minister rank in 2019, Ajit Doval’s salary is now on par with that of other senior members of India’s Union Cabinet. Official government sources and media reports indicate the following:
- Basic Monthly Salary: ₹1,37,500
- Other Allowances & Perks: ₹60,000–₹70,000 (dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport, etc.)
- Total Estimated Monthly Salary: ₹2,00,000 (approx.)
This remuneration reflects not only his administrative status but also the vital national and international responsibilities he undertakes.
How Ajit Doval’s Salary Compares to Other Top Officials
Ajit Doval’s remuneration aligns with that of a Union Cabinet Minister, representing the highest non-elected pay scale within India’s civilian bureaucracy. He shares this pay grade with key figures such as:
- The Minister of Home Affairs
- The Minister of Defence
- The Minister of External Affairs
However, unlike other ministers, Doval operates as a career civil servant and security strategist, making his position distinct in its blend of prestige and authority. His Cabinet status further grants him access to significant benefits, including:
- A government-residence in Lutyens’ zone of New Delhi
- A fully manned office and support staff
- Official cars with Z+ security
- Diplomatic and international travel privileges
Ajit Doval’s Cabinet Rank and Salary Impact
A pivotal moment in Ajit Doval’s career and compensation occurred in June 2019, when the Government of India formally elevated him to the rank of a Cabinet Minister. This marked an unprecedented event, as it was the first time an NSA was granted Cabinet status, underscoring the immense strategic importance of his national security role.
What Does Cabinet Rank Mean for Ajit Doval?
Attaining Cabinet Minister rank ensures that Ajit Doval’s salary and benefits are equivalent to India’s most senior constitutional functionaries. Government salary scales detail:
- Monthly salary: ₹1,37,500 (basic) + allowances
- Total monthly pay: Around ₹2,00,000
- Official benefits: Government bungalow, Z+ security, diplomatic passport, staff, and membership in senior-most decision-making committees
Comparison With Cabinet Ministers
Ajit Doval’s salary and allowances now mirror those of Union Cabinet Ministers, including:
- The Minister of Defence
- The Minister of Finance
- The Minister of External Affairs
While most Cabinet Ministers are elected Members of Parliament, Doval’s role is unique; he is a seasoned intelligence officer and bureaucrat whose Cabinet rank is solely based on his merit and national significance.
Benefits and Privileges Beyond Ajit Doval’s Salary
Beyond his monthly salary of ₹2,00,000, Ajit Doval, as India’s National Security Advisor, enjoys a comprehensive array of high-level privileges and perks that significantly enhance his total compensation package. Key benefits include:
- Official Residence: A secure, government-allocated bungalow situated in New Delhi’s Lutyens’ zone.
- Z+ Security Cover: Among the highest levels of security available in India, provided by the NSG or SPG.
- Dedicated Staff: Personal protection, advisory personnel, and administrative support staff.
- Government Transportation: A fully guarded convoy featuring armored vehicles and protective measures.
- Travel Privileges: First-class air travel, diplomatic passports, and protocol-level treatment for official engagements.
- Top-Secret Clearance: Access to the most highly classified intelligence across military, diplomatic, and strategic communications networks.
Ajit Doval Net Worth (Estimated)
While Ajit Doval’s salary as National Security Advisor is publicly known, his overall net worth remains difficult to ascertain due to a lack of official disclosure. Nevertheless, his net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 million.
Income Sources Beyond Salary
In addition to his official salary, Doval’s potential income sources could include:
- Pension: As a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, he receives a government pension.
- Honorariums: Potential income from lectures or consulting work, although specific figures are not publicly recorded.
It is important to note that there is no public record of Doval ever holding a position as a director or board member of a company. His sons, Vivek Doval and Shaurya Doval, however, are involved in various business interests, including a Cayman Islands-registered hedge fund.
Comparison with Other Top Government Officials
Ajit Doval’s estimated net worth appears modest when compared to that of some other senior Indian bureaucrats. For instance, certain Union Cabinet Ministers have declared assets exceeding ₹5 crore (approximately $600,000) in their election affidavits. Doval’s financial trajectory reflects a career primarily dedicated to public service rather than personal wealth accumulation.