Public administrative service occupies a strategic position in the public governance system of any nation. Contemporary public administration needs competent public managers who are able to make sense of the ambiguity inherent in the job. This study presents an attempt to identify important competencies needed for public administrators (specifically District Magistrates in India, a peak leadership role in the public service). Based on focused-group discussions and a survey of 218 Indian Administrative Service officers, the study identified eight competencies, namely people first; leading others; integrity; decision-making; planning, coordination and implementation; problem-solving; self-awareness and self-control; and innovative thinking. The eight competencies were further clubbed under four meta-competencies, namely stakeholder analysis and decision-making, managing change and innovation, team building and positive administrator personality. A detailed description of the behaviours included within each competency and meta-competency is provided. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.