Union Government Revamps NITI Aayog with New Membership for 2026
Why it matters
NITI Aayog, established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, serves as India's apex policy advisory body. Its composition undergoes periodic revisions, integrating fresh expertise from various fields and including key Union Cabinet ministers. The May 2, 2026, notification brings in new expertise for full-time roles, focusing on areas like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), green energy transition, and urban governance. The Prime Minister remains Chairperson, with the Vice-Chairperson managing day-to-day operations and research. This reconstitution is particularly significant as NITI Aayog increases its focus on monitoring state-level Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The revised structure features up to four Ex-Officio members from the Union Cabinet and a cohort of Special Invitees who are subject matter experts. This setup is intended to promote 'Cooperative Federalism,' creating a collaborative space for states and the central government on national development agendas. A primary immediate task for the new body is to finalize the 'DPI@2047' strategic roadmap, which aims for inclusive socio-economic growth via non-linear digital solutions. For exam purposes, knowing the names of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and CEO is crucial for understanding the institutional leadership.
| Role | Appointing Authority |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister (Ex-officio) |
| Vice-Chairperson | Appointed by the Prime Minister |
| Full-time Members | Specialists in various sectors |
| Ex-Officio Members | Max 4 from Union Council of Ministers |
Glossary
Term: NITI Aayog: National Institution for Transforming India, the premier policy think tank of the Indian government.
Term: Viksit Bharat 2047: The government's vision to transform India into a developed nation by the 100th year of independence.
NaukriSync Exam Angle
Polity & Governance. Key fact to memorise: NITI Aayog was reconstituted on May 2, 2026. It is chaired by the Prime Minister, and its Vice-Chairperson is appointed by the PM. It is a non-constitutional, non-statutory body created by an executive resolution. Most likely format: MCQ on the composition (number of ex-officio members) or its role in cooperative federalism.