Ajit Doval Biography:
Ajit Doval – an enigma for most, but a household name among those who’ve followed the intricate world of national security. With a career spanning over five decades, he is not just a symbol of India’s intelligence prowess; he’s often compared to James Bond, but with the soul of a patriot and the mind of a strategist. If you’ve heard of the surgical strikes, the Balakot airstrike, or even India’s proactive security policies, chances are, Doval played a significant role in shaping those milestones.
Born on January 20, 1945, in the picturesque town of Ghiri Banelsyun, nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, Ajit Doval’s story is one of grit, determination, and service. His upbringing in a simple Garhwali Brahmin family could have led him down any number of conventional paths. But his heart beat for the country, and by the time he was 23, he was already setting out on a career with the Indian Police Service (IPS).
But let’s pause and think about this for a moment—what does it really take to rise through the ranks of the intelligence community? For Doval, it wasn’t just the prestigious education at Agra University that made him stand out. It wasn’t just his stint in the Indian Police. It was his ability to think on his feet, his dedication to the nation, and his unmatched capability to gather intelligence in the toughest situations. When he became the Intelligence Bureau’s director and later the National Security Advisor (NSA), it was clear that Doval wasn’t just filling a position—he was reshaping India’s entire approach to security.
Ajit Doval is the face of India’s assertive security stance. While the world watched as India responded with surgical strikes in 2016 and airstrikes in 2019, it was Doval’s careful planning and intelligence work that made these operations successful. Beyond his operational successes, he has masterminded significant policy shifts, including the introduction of India’s “Defensive Offensive” strategy, which has been a game-changer in tackling terrorism and national security threats.
But what about his personal life? Well, it’s as humble as you’d imagine for someone who prefers to stay behind the scenes. He has two sons, Vivek and Shaurya Doval, and a wife, Anu Doval, who have always supported his relentless drive. Despite his public persona as a top spy, Doval has managed to maintain a quiet family life away from the media spotlight.
As we take a closer look at his journey, we’ll explore not only his professional achievements but also the man behind the medals, the quiet genius who’s shaped India’s intelligence strategy for generations to come.

Ajit Doval Biography Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Post Title | National Security Advisor of India |
Full Name | Ajit Kumar Doval |
Nickname | Indian James Bond |
Profession | Bureaucrat, Intelligence Officer |
Age (as of 2024) | 79 years |
Date of Birth | 20 January 1945 |
Place of Birth | Ghiri Banelsyun, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India |
Hometown | Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India |
Current Address | New Delhi, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Caste/Ethnicity | Garhwali Brahmin |
Zodiac Sign/Sun Sign | Aquarius |
Educational Qualification | Master’s in Economics |
Family | Father: Major Gunanand Doval; Mother: Unknown; Wife: Aruni Doval; Sons: Shaurya Doval, Vivek Doval |
Religion | Hinduism |
Hobbies | Reading, Writing, Strategic Studies |
Blood Group | Unknown |
Food Habit | Vegetarian |
Famous For | Serving as India’s 5th National Security Advisor |
Languages Known | Hindi, English, Urdu |
Mother Tongue | Unknown |
Category | Civil Servant, Biography |

Ajit Doval Wiki
Ajit Doval’s life reads like a thrilling novel, but it’s far from fiction. Born in the quaint village of Ghiri Banelsyun in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, on January 20, 1945, Doval wasn’t always destined for greatness. In fact, his roots in a humble Garhwali Brahmin family didn’t scream “spy” or “intelligence officer.” Yet, his destiny seemed clear from a young age—this man was going to serve his country in ways few could imagine.
After completing his schooling at the renowned Ajmer Military School in Rajasthan, Doval pursued a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Agra. But don’t let the term “Economics” fool you into thinking he was headed towards a conventional career in finance. His heart was always in public service. By 1968, at the age of 23, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) and was assigned to the Kerala cadre. The real action started when he ventured into counterinsurgency operations in places like Mizoram and Punjab—two regions wracked by internal strife and violence.
Over time, Doval became known for his sharp intelligence, leadership, and keen problem-solving skills. He held various positions within the Intelligence Bureau (IB), ultimately becoming its Director. His contributions were recognized with the prestigious Keerti Chakra award in 1988 for his role in the successful Operation Black Thunder during the Khalistan insurgency. But that was just the beginning. By 2014, Doval had ascended to the highest level of India’s national security structure: National Security Advisor (NSA) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite his public role, very little is known about Doval’s personal life. He is known to be a private man, with his focus always on national matters rather than personal fame. His family—his wife Anu Doval and two sons, Vivek and Shaurya—remain largely out of the public eye, although Shaurya himself is an accomplished diplomat.

Ajit Doval Age, Height & Physical Appearance
Ajit Doval, at 78, is still as sharp as ever. Though he’s reached the pinnacle of his career, his mind remains as sharp as it was when he first joined the IPS in 1968. Standing at about 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters), Doval may not be towering in stature, but his reputation more than makes up for it. He’s a giant in the intelligence world, often being described as “India’s James Bond,” though his life is far more understated than any spy thriller.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Age | 79 years |
Height in Centimeters | 163 cm |
Height in Meters | 1.63 m |
Height in Feet Inches | 5’4″ |
Weight in Kilograms | 70 kg (approx.) |
Weight in Pounds | 154 lbs (approx.) |
Body Measurement | Unknown |
Chest Size | Unknown |
Waist Size | Unknown |
Biceps Size | Unknown |
Eye Colour | Black |
Hair Colour | Black |
Shoe Size | Unknown |

Ajit Doval Family
Ajit Doval’s family has always been his support system, though they have remained largely out of the public’s eye. His father, Gunanand Doval, was an army soldier, and Doval’s upbringing in a military family helped shape his patriotism and sense of duty. He has two sons—Vivek, a Chartered Financial Analyst, and Shaurya, an Indian diplomat. His wife, Anu Doval, has been a steady presence in his life, providing the quiet strength necessary for someone with such a high-profile career.
Relation | Details |
---|---|
Father | Major Gunanand Doval |
Mother | Unknown |
Brothers | Unknown |
Sisters | Unknown |
Cousins | Unknown |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Aruni Doval |
Daughters | None |
Sons | Shaurya Doval, Vivek Doval |
Affairs/Girlfriends | None |
Personal Life of Ajit Doval
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ajit Kumar Doval |
Nick Name | Indian James Bond |
Date of Birth | January 20, 1945 |
Place of Birth | Ghiri Banelsyun, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India |
Hometown | Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India |
Age | 78 years old (as of 2024) |
Religion | Hinduism |
Caste | Garhwali Brahmin |
Family | Father: Gunanand Doval (served in the army) |
Mother: Name not known | |
Spouse: Anu Doval | |
Sons: Vivek Doval (Chartered Analyst), Shaurya Doval (Indian Diplomat) | |
Height | 1.63 meters (5 feet 4 inches) |
Notable Honors | Honorary Doctorates: University of Agra (2017), Kumaon University (2018) |
Social Media | Instagram: @Ajitdoval |

Ajit Doval Educational Qualification
Doval’s education was a blend of rigorous military schooling and academic pursuit. He was schooled at the Ajmer Military School, one of India’s prestigious military institutions, before moving on to complete his Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Agra. But his education wasn’t just confined to books. Doval’s training in the field—especially in counterinsurgency operations—has been crucial to his success. Along the way, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Agra and Kumaon University in recognition of his contributions to national security.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Educational Qualification | Master’s in Economics |
School | King George’s Royal Indian Military School (Ajmer Military School), Ajmer, Rajasthan |
College / University | University of Agra |
Others | Honorary doctorates from Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (2017), Kumaun University (2018), Amity University (2018) |

Ajit Doval’s Life Story
Ajit Doval’s journey to the top was no easy feat. After joining the IPS in 1968, Doval quickly rose through the ranks. He was sent to some of the most challenging regions in India, dealing with insurgency, terrorism, and communal violence. His first major recognition came after he managed to calm tensions during the 1971 riots in Thalassery, Kerala, and bring peace between warring factions. His work in Mizoram and Punjab during periods of heavy insurgency further solidified his status as a master strategist.
Early Life of Ajit Doval
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Birthplace | Ghiri Banelsyun, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India |
Date of Birth | January 20, 1945 |
Family Background | Born into a modest Brahmin family. His father, Gunanand Doval, served as a soldier in the Indian Army. |
Education | Schooling: Ajmer Military School, Ajmer, Rajasthan |
College: University of Agra (Master’s degree in Economics) | |
Early Interests | Ajit Doval showed a strong desire to contribute to his country’s welfare from an early age. |
Career Beginnings | Joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968, selected from the Kerala cadre. |

Ajit Doval Spy Career
Ajit Doval’s career as a spy is legendary. One of the key moments that solidified his status was his role in Operation Black Thunder in 1988. This was during a time when the Golden Temple in Amritsar was under siege by Khalistan supporters. Doval, then the head of the IB, disguised himself as a rickshaw-puller and infiltrated the inner sanctum of the temple to gather intelligence on the militants. His efforts were instrumental in ensuring the success of Operation Black Thunder, a mission that not only helped defuse the siege but also saved countless lives.
But that wasn’t the only instance that highlighted his cunning and bravery. Doval spent years undercover in Pakistan, posing as a diplomat while gathering critical intelligence. His linguistic skills and ability to blend in with local communities were key to his success, and he became deeply involved in countering the operations of Pakistan’s notorious ISI.
Another notable operation took place in 1999 during the IC-814 hijacking. Doval was one of the key negotiators who played a major role in securing the release of passengers held hostage by terrorists. His negotiation skills were put to the test again during the kidnapping of Romanian diplomat Liviu Radu in 1991, where he successfully brokered a deal for Radu’s release.
Career, Achievements, and Success Journey
Career Milestone | Details |
---|---|
Indian Police Service (IPS) | Joined in 1968, Kerala Cadre |
Director of Intelligence Bureau | Held the role from 2004 to 2005 |
National Security Advisor (NSA) | Appointed as the 5th NSA of India in May 2014, reappointed in June 2019 |
Key Operations | Played pivotal roles in Operation Black Thunder, IC-814 negotiations, and 2016 surgical strikes |
Awards | First police officer to receive the Kirti Chakra |

Ajit Doval as NSA
Ajit Doval’s appointment as India’s National Security Advisor in 2014 was a defining moment in India’s approach to security. Doval redefined India’s strategy from one of mere defense to an assertive “Defensive Offensive” policy, ensuring India’s readiness to confront external threats. Under his leadership, India took bold steps in dealing with terrorism, particularly after the 2016 surgical strikes in Pakistan and the 2019 Balakot airstrike.
Beyond his role in military strategy, Doval played a key part in India’s diplomatic efforts. One of his major achievements was orchestrating the safe return of 46 Indian nurses stranded in Iraq in 2014. His role in handling the Kashmir issue after the abrogation of Article 370 further cemented his reputation as one of India’s most effective security minds.


Ajit Doval’s Net Worth
Although Ajit Doval’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is widely understood that his illustrious career in India’s intelligence services has positioned him well financially. However, Doval’s focus has always been on serving his country, rather than personal accumulation of wealth. His true wealth lies in his contribution to the security and integrity of India.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Salary | Unknown |
Net Worth | Unknown |
Ajit Doval’s Favorite Things
Attribute | Details |
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Favorite Colour | Update Soon |
Favorite Actor/Actress | Update Soon |
Favorite Food | Update Soon |
Favorite Restaurant | Update Soon |
Favorite Cuisine | Update Soon |
Favorite Desserts | Update Soon |
Favorite Dress | Update Soon |
Favorite Films | Update Soon |
Favorite Director | Update Soon |
Favorite Musician | Update Soon |
Favorite Sports | Update Soon |
Favorite Athlete | Update Soon |
Favorite Destination | Update Soon |
Favorite Collections | Update Soon |
Hobbies | Reading, Writing, Strategic Studies |
Social Media Accounts
Platform | Details |
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Not publicly listed | |
Not publicly listed | |
Not publicly listed | |
Wikipedia | Ajit Doval Wikipedia |
YouTube | Not applicable |
Phone Number | Not publicly listed |
Not publicly listed | |
Website | Not publicly listed |
Conclusion
With over five decades of service to India’s national security, Ajit Doval is a man whose life story is far more than just a series of operations and victories. It’s a tale of patriotism, grit, and a relentless drive to ensure the safety of millions. His legacy continues to influence the way India handles its security challenges, making him one of the most influential figures in India’s modern history.