Agarwal, a 1980-batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, was earlier Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Caste (NCSC).
He replaced Lov Verma, a 1978-batch IAS officer of Uttar Pardesh, who retired on January 31.
Besides, Shyam S Agarwal took over as the Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affiars. Agarwal was earlier posted as the Secretary in National Commission for Scheduled Castes and replaced Arun Jhawho, who has been appointed as the new Secretary in National Commission for Scheduled Castes.