Born: 18 May 1965
Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Pune
Service: Career scientist with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Current Position:
- Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India (since 11 October 2021)
- Chairperson, Earth Commission (ex-officio)
š§ Professional Background
Dr. Ravichandran began his career in atmospheric science at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune (1988ā97). He later joined the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai (1997ā2001), and served at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad (2001ā2016). From 2016 to 2021, he served as Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.
š Leadership Roles
In October 2021, Dr. Ravichandran took charge as Secretary of MoES. In this role, he leads Indiaās national programmes in meteorology, oceanography, climate science, seismology, and polar research. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Earth Commission, overseeing overarching strategies across Earth science sectors.
š International and Institutional Engagement
- Vice-President of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), and Alternate Delegate to the Antarctic Treaty System
- Council Member of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)
- Co-Chair of the Indian Ocean Panel of GOOS/CLIVAR under the World Climate Research Programme (2012ā16)
- Member of the International Argo Steering Team and Regional Argo Coordinator (2005ā16)
- Member of the Sustained Indian Ocean Biogeochemical and Ecological Research (SIBER) Steering Committee (2010ā17)
- Editor-in-Chief of Pure and Applied Geophysicsā Earth science section since 2015
š Extension of Service
Originally due to retire on 31 May 2025, Dr. Ravichandranās term as Secretary has been extended by one yearāretaining his position through May 2026 under government rulesāreflecting continued confidence in his leadership.
š Summary
Dr. M. Ravichandran is a distinguished physicist and Earth scientist whose career spans over three decades of advancing Indiaās Earth and ocean science capabilities. As Secretary and Earth Commission Chair, he plays a crucial role in shaping national policy in climate, ocean, polar, and geoscience domains, aligning Indiaās scientific priorities with global research efforts.