In a major reshuffle of India’s paramilitary leadership, the Central Government has appointed senior IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as the new Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) officially approved this decision in mid-January 2026.
This leadership change is a significant development for the force responsible for guarding India’s sensitive borders with China. Alongside this, the ITBP has also been in the news for its upcoming role in the Republic Day parade and a new healthcare initiative in Uttarakhand.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the new appointment, the officer’s background, and other important updates regarding the force.
Who is the New ITBP Chief?
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor is a distinguished 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Haryana cadre. Before this appointment, he served as the Director General of Police (DGP) in Haryana.
- Tenure: He will hold the post of ITBP Director General until his superannuation (retirement) on October 31, 2026, or until further orders.
- Role: As the DG, he will lead the specialized mountain force that guards the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) ranging from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
Major Reshuffle: BSF Gets a New Chief Too
The appointment of Mr. Kapoor comes as part of a larger top-level change.
- Praveen Kumar, the outgoing ITBP chief (1993-batch IPS, West Bengal cadre), has been transferred and appointed as the new Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF).
- This move ensures that both major border guarding forces—BSF (Pakistan/Bangladesh borders) and ITBP (China border)—have fresh leadership to tackle emerging security challenges.
Other Key ITBP Updates (January 2026)
Apart from the leadership change, the ITBP has been active with two other major initiatives this month:
1. ‘Swasth Seema Abhiyaan’ in Uttarakhand
On January 16, 2026, the ITBP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttarakhand state government.
- The Plan: Under this “Swasth Seema Abhiyaan” (Healthy Border Campaign), ITBP will provide medical services to civilians in 108 remote border villages.
- Impact: ITBP doctors and paramedics will offer healthcare in districts like Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi, strengthening the bond between the force and the local population.
2. Republic Day Parade Preparations
With Republic Day (January 26) approaching, the ITBP’s famous Motorcycle Daredevil Team (Janbaz) has been conducting full-dress rehearsals at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Their acrobatic displays on moving motorcycles are expected to be a key highlight of the 2026 parade.
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What Should Aspirants Know?
For students and job seekers preparing for defence exams, a change in leadership is an important current affairs topic.
- Update Your Notes: Note down the names of the new DGs for ITBP (Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor) and BSF (Praveen Kumar).
- Watch for Notifications: Often, administrative changes are followed by reviews of operational requirements. Aspirants should keep a close watch on the official ITBP recruitment portal (
recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in) for upcoming vacancy notifications for Constables, Head Constables, and Assistant Commandants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the new Director General of ITBP in 2026?
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of ITBP.
Q2: Who did Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor replace?
He replaced Praveen Kumar, who has now been appointed as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF).
Q3: What is the main duty of ITBP?
The primary duty of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is to guard the Indian border along the China (Tibet) region, specifically in high-altitude areas.
Q4: Until when will the new DG serve?
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor will serve as the ITBP DG until his retirement date, which is October 31, 2026.
Q5: Where can I check for ITBP job updates?
You can check for the latest recruitment notifications on the official website: recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in.