---
title: "Atomic Energy Commission Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Atomic Energy Commission is India's top body for nuclear policy, established in 1948 to oversee atomic energy programmes and initiatives."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/atomic-energy-commission"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Atomic Energy Commission is India's apex policy-making body for nuclear matters, established in 1948 to formulate and oversee atomic energy programmes.
- When was the Atomic Energy Commission established and under whom?
- What is the difference between the AEC, the DAE and the AERB?
- What is the three-stage nuclear programme associated with the AEC?
- Which statute governs atomic energy in India?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Atomic Energy Commission is India's apex policy-making body for nuclear matters, established in 1948 to formulate and oversee atomic energy programmes.

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## Timeline

1. 10 August 1948

   The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is the highest executive and policy-making authority for India's nuclear programme, constituted on under a resolution of…

2. 1 March 1958

   It was reconstituted on by a Government of India resolution following the creation of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954, which placed the entire…

3. 18 May 1974

   In practice the AEC has guided every milestone of India's nuclear journey: the Apsara research reactor (1956, Asia's first), the Pokhran-I "Smiling Buddha" t…

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In 1974, the Atomic Energy Commission under Chairman Homi Sethna oversaw India's first nuclear test, "Smiling Buddha", at Pokhran, conducted by BARC scientists on 18 May.

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