P. C. Sen joined the Indian Administrative Service in Madhya Pradesh Cadre in 1967. He has held a variety of assignments both with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Government of India. He was Director of Archaeology and Museums, M.P., Managing Director, M.P. State Tourism Corporation, Principal Secretary Housing and Environment, Principal Secretary Commerce and Industry and IT in the Government of M.P., Director General, Civil Aviation, Chairman and Managing Director Indian Airlines and Chairman, Air India. He retired as Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission on 30 April and took over as Director, India International Centre on 1 May 2003.