Asthana has earlier held several important positions in his State Cadre such as Commissioner of Police, Surat City, Vadodara City; Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad City; IGP, Vadodara Range; DIG, CID(Crime); SP and DCP. He has also served as DIG & SP in CBI at Patna, Ranchi & Dhanbad from 1992 to 2002. He has been associated with the investigation of a number of sensitive cases, including Godhra Railway Carnage case, Fodder Scam of Bihar, Purlia Arms Drop case, trap cases and Disproportionate Assets Cases against corrupt public servants/other accused persons that ended in conviction.  Before joining CBI, he served as Additional Director General (Armed Units), Gujarat.

      Rakesh Asthana is a Post Graduate in History and Diploma in Business Management.  He has been decorated with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2001 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished service in 2009.