The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the main authority that regulates India’s financial and securities markets. Established in 1988, SEBI ensures fair trading, investor protection, and market transparency. Over the years, several visionary leaders have headed SEBI, helping it evolve into one of the world’s most respected financial regulators.
SEBI Chairpersons List (1988–2025): From S.A. Dave to Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Let’s look at the complete list of SEBI Chairpersons from 1988 to 2025, including their tenure and contributions.
List of SEBI Chairmen (1988–2025)
| S. No. | Chairman | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. S.A. Dave | 12 April 1988 – 23 August 1990 |
| 2 | Shri G.V. Ramakrishna | 24 August 1990 – 17 January 1994 |
| 3 | Shri S.S. Nadkarni | 17 January 1994 – 31 January 1995 |
| 4 | Shri D.R. Mehta | 21 February 1995 – 20 February 2002 |
| 5 | Shri G.N. Bajpai | 20 February 2002 – 18 February 2005 |
| 6 | Shri M. Damodaran | 18 February 2005 – 18 February 2008 |
| 7 | Shri C.B. Bhave | 19 February 2008 – 17 February 2011 |
| 8 | Shri U.K. Sinha | 18 February 2011 – 01 March 2017 |
| 9 | Shri Ajay Tyagi | 01 March 2017 – 28 February 2022 |
| 10 | Madhabi Puri Buch | 01 March 2022 – 28 February 2025 |
| 11 | Tuhin Kanta Pandey | 01 March 2025 – Incumbent |
First Chairman of SEBI
Dr. S.A. Dave was the first Chairperson of SEBI, serving from April 1988 to August 1990.
He was instrumental in establishing SEBI as India’s market regulator and developing its early structure. Before this, he served as Chairman of the Unit Trust of India (UTI) and Deputy Director at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Current Chairperson of SEBI (2025)
Tuhin Kanta Pandey is the current (11th) SEBI Chairperson, appointed on March 1, 2025.
He is a retired IAS officer from the 1987 Odisha cadre. Before this role, he served as Finance Secretary and Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
He brings deep experience in financial policy and governance, ensuring transparency and investor trust in India’s growing capital market.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- SEBI was established in 1988 to regulate India’s securities market.
- Dr. S.A. Dave was the first SEBI Chairperson (1988–1990).
- Tuhin Kanta Pandey became the 11th SEBI Chairperson in March 2025.
- Madhabi Puri Buch (2022–2025) was the first woman to head SEBI.
- SEBI ensures investor protection, market transparency, and corporate compliance.
Question & Answer
Q1. When was SEBI established?
(a) 1985
(b) 1988
(c) 1991
(d) 1993
Answer: 1988
Q2. Who was the first Chairperson of SEBI?
(a) G.V. Ramakrishna
(b) S.S. Nadkarni
(c) Dr. S.A. Dave
(d) G.N. Bajpai
Answer: Dr. S.A. Dave
Q3. Who is the current Chairperson of SEBI in 2025?
(a) Ajay Tyagi
(b) Madhabi Puri Buch
(c) Tuhin Kanta Pandey
(d) D.R. Mehta
Answer: Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Q4. Who was the first woman Chairperson of SEBI?
(a) Arundhati Bhattacharya
(b) Madhabi Puri Buch
(c) Nirmala Sitharaman
(d) Usha Thorat
Answer: Madhabi Puri Buch
Q5. Under which ministry does SEBI operate?
(a) Ministry of Finance
(b) Ministry of Commerce
(c) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(d) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Finance
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