Narasimhan is came from Tamil Nadu. He completed graduatation in physics from the University of Madras. He continued his post-graduate studies at Madras in political science and law. After completing his studies at the National Defence College in New Delhi, he joined the Indian Police Service.
Narasimhan is worked in the Intelligence Bureau for many years until retiring as the director of the bureau on 31 December 2006. On January 19, 2007, He was appointed as Governor of Chhattisgarh and took office on 25 January. On 27 December 2009, he took additional charge as acting Governor of Andhra Pradesh from Narayan Dutt Tiwari. On 23 January 2010, he was formally appointed to the governorship of Andhra Pradesh upon leaving office in Chhattisgarh.