---
title: "DPDP Act Section 19: Board Composition and Qualifications"
description: "Section 19 of the DPDP Act 2023, Composition and qualifications for appointment of Chairperson and Members: the official text, what it means in plain..."
url: "https://dpdpr.in/act/section-19/"
canonical: "https://dpdpr.in/act/section-19/"
site: "dpdpr.in"
updated: "2026-11-02"
disclaimer: "Independent reference, not legal advice. Not affiliated with the Government of India or MeitY."
---

# Section 19. Composition and qualifications for appointment of Chairperson and Members

DPDP Act, 2023 · Chapter V: Data Protection Board of India

## In simple words

The Board has a Chairperson and other Members, in a number the Government notifies. They must have relevant expertise, and at least one must be a legal expert.

- **What this means for you**: The Board is meant to be run by experts in law, technology and related fields.

- **What this means for businesses**: No direct duty for businesses.

- **Everyday example**: The Government invited applications for one Chairperson and four Members in May 2026.

## Who it applies to

The Central Government and the Board.

## Related Rules

- [Rule 17. Appointment of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdpr.in/rules/rule-17/) In force

### Related sections

- [Section 18. Establishment of Board](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-18/)
- [Section 20. Salary, allowances payable to and term of office](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-20/)

Official text as notified

Source: [MeitY copy of the Gazette (CG-DL-E-12082023-248045), page 12](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/02/Digital-Personal-Data-Protection-Act-2023.pdf#page=12). Printed dashes are shown as colons; the wording is unchanged.

(1) The Board shall consist of a Chairperson and such number of other Members as the Central Government may notify.

(2) The Chairperson and other Members shall be appointed by the Central Government in such manner as may be prescribed.

(3) The Chairperson and other Members shall be a person of ability, integrity and standing who possesses special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of data governance, administration or implementation of laws related to social or consumer protection, dispute resolution, information and communication technology, digital economy, law, regulation or techno-regulation, or in any other field which in the opinion of the Central Government may be useful to the Board, and at least one among them shall be an expert in the field of law.

## When this takes effect

- Whole section **In force since 13 November 2025**

Source: [G.S.R. 843(E)](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/c56ceae6c383460ca69577428d36828b.pdf) and [rule 1](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/53450e6e5dc0bfa85ebd78686cadad39.pdf). [All deadlines](https://dpdpr.in/deadlines/)