His selection as CVC comes at a time when he is due to complete a two-year tenure as Defence Secretary before which he was Secretary, Defence Production, and Secretary, Disinvestment.
Kumar, who will turn 62 on September 29, 2011, did his graduation in Electrical Engineering from IIT-Delhi before joining the IAS in 1972. He belongs to the Haryana cadre.
In 1986, he went to University of Wales, UK, on study leave to do a Masters in Economics and Social Sciences.
As an IAS officer, Kumar is well-versed with the corridors of power in the capital. In 1997, he served as Joint Secretary in the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises.
Kumar, who is Defence Secretary at present, was appointed to the post for a two year term in 2009. He was to retire on July 31.
Kumar`s earlier postings also include Chairmanship of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and as Additional Secretary, Mines and Minerals at the Centre and Resident Commissioner of Haryana in Delhi.
As CVC, Kumar will have a term of a little more three years. He would be under close scrutiny of the opposition and the media in his new role as the post of CVC was mired in controversy over the appointment of P J Thomas as its chief, a decision that was quashed by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had issued some guidelines to the government for the appointment of CVC while quashing Thomas` appointment.
With Kumar`s candidature having been approved unanimously, he is expected to have a smooth sailing.
Kumar will have a busy tenure as the watchdog body is overseeing investigations by the CBI of several high profile corruption cases which have hit the UPA-II government.