Educated at the Punjab (India) and Oxford (UK) Universities.  After topping in M.A. (English) he served as a Lecturer in Punjab University (1957-59).  Was in the Indian Administrative Service (1959-1994), borne on the Punjab cadre.

        Following the Sino-Indian conflict he joined the Special Services Bureau, underwent training with the elite SAS  of UK and served in the Western Himalayan region (1962-64). Post Operation Blue Star, he was recalled serve as Home Secretary Punjab (1984-85); he organized peaceful elections to the State Assembly (Sept 1985) when the State was facing serious disturbances.  With the Government of India he worked as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (1977-82); as Additional Secretary Defense, Secretary Defense Production, Defense Secretary (1985-93).  Consequent to the serial bomb blasts in Mumbai he was appointed Home Secretary (1993-94).  Recalled from retirement to serve as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister (1997-98). 

        After retirement: served as Director of the India International Centre, New Delhi (1995-97; 1998-2003).  Was Member of the first National Security Advisory Board (1998-2001); Chairman, National Task Force on Internal Security (2000); Chairman, Review of Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis (1999-2001); Chairman, Committee on Review of Military Histories (2001-02); Member, CSCAP National Committee (2001-5);  Co-Chairman, India-European Union Round Table (2001-8);  Chairman, Public Services Committee, National Board of Quality Promotion, Quality Council of India (2006-8); Member, Governing Body of Euro-Asia Institute.

        In early 2003, on being asked by Prime Minister Vajpayee to undertake a Dialogue with all segments of the polity and society  in Jammu & Kashmir he served as Govt. of India’s Special Representative to carry out this responsibility (2003-08).

         As an international civil servant he served as Consultant to W.H.O., Geneva (1982-84).

        Life Member: United Service Institute, Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis, Indian Institute of Public Administration, and International House of Japan, Tokyo.  Life Trustee : India International Centre, New Delhi, and the Tribune Trust, Chandigarh.  Served as Chairman Sarvodaya International Trust, Delhi Chapter (2001-08).

        Has been writing and lecturing on governance and security issues and has edited over a dozen books. 

        Awarded PADMA VIBHUSHAN (2007) for most distinguished contribution to the nation in the field of PUBLIC SERVICE.

              Mr Vohra was sworn-in as 12th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir on June 25, 2008.