■   1991-batch IAS officer, became Telangana’s seventh Chief Secretary in 2025, with a record 14 state budgets drafted since 2015.

■   Rao secured a rare seven-month tenure extension until March 2026, a first in Telangana’s history, reflecting his administrative prowess.

■   Like Mohan Kanda, Rao thrived across different governments, earning trust for his efficiency and neutrality.

metro india news  I hyderabad

In the annals of Telugu state bureaucracy, few names resonate with the enduring legacy of K. Ramakrishna Rao, Telangana’s seventh Chief Secretary. A 1991-batch IAS officer, Rao’s ascent to the top post on April 30, 2025, marked a milestone in a career defined by exceptional competence and rare political neutrality.

His story echoes that of Mohan Kanda, a retired IAS officer of 1968 batch and former Chief Secretary in undivided Andhra Pradesh, who earned the trust of rival political giants—serving under legendary Chief Ministers of TDP and Congress with equal distinction. Like Kanda, Rao’s ability to navigate the turbulent waters of political transitions has cemented his place in a rare cadre of bureaucrats whose work transcends party lines.

The senior IAS officer was instrumental in drafting budgets for the nascent state of Telangana, shaping its fiscal roadmap for nearly a decade. His efficiency was undeniable, crafting 14 state budgets (12 full and 2 vote-on-account) since 2015—a record unmatched in Telangana’s history. He also introduced innovative financial systems, enhancing transparency and resource mobilization during economic challenges.

When the Congress government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, assumed power, Rao’s expertise was not sidelined, as is often the fate of bureaucrats tied to prior regimes. Instead, Reddy retained him in the pivotal finance role, entrusting him to present the 2024 and 2025 budgets before elevating him to Chief Secretary.This continuity is a testament to Rao’s non-controversial reputation and administrative acumen. His unprecedented seven-month tenure extension until March 2026,

approved by the Centre, underscores his indispensability. Unlike the typical three- or six-month extensions, this single-stretch sanction, a first in Telangana’s 10-year history, is a reflection of Rao’s unmatched track record. Only Rajiv Sharma, Telangana’s first Chief Secretary, received a comparable extension, but in two phases.

Rao's educational foundation laid the groundwork for his illustrious career. An engineering graduate from the prestigious IIT Kanpur, he further honed his skills with a master’s degree from IIT Delhi and an MBA in Investments from the United States. This blend of technical prowess and financial expertise equipped him to tackle complex administrative challenges. Returning to India in 2013 after his MBA, Rao was immediately thrust into critical roles, including handling State Reorganisation Affairs in the General Administration Department, where he deftly managed the division of assets and liabilities between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

His career graph is a tapestry of diverse and impactful positions. Starting in united Andhra Pradesh, Rao served as Collector and District Magistrate in districts like Adilabad, Guntur, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Nizamabad, gaining grassroots experience in administration. He rose to become Commissioner of School Education and held leadership roles in healthcare. A stint as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting broadened his horizons, followed by his role as Director General of the Centre for Good Governance, where he spearheaded IT-based reforms across states. Rao's six-year sabbatical with multilateral agencies added global perspectives to his toolkit. 

Rao’s story mirrors Mohan Kanda’s, who thrived under opposing regimes in undivided Andhra Pradesh, holding key posts despite political rivalries. Rao’s ability to earn the confidence of both BRS and Congress governments highlights a rare bureaucratic finesse.