Who is Pralhad Joshi, the new education minister? A look at his education, career, political journey
Pralhad Joshi has been appointed as the new Union Minister of Education, taking over from Dharmendra Pradhan following the latter's resignation over the NEET-UG paper leak. Joshi will manage this new portfolio alongside his existing responsibilities in Consumer Affairs and Energy.
Why it matters
The leadership change at the Ministry of Education is a direct response to the national NEET-UG controversy, signaling a shift in the government's approach to examination reforms.
Senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Union Ministry of Education, succeeding Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned on Saturday, taking moral responsibility for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.The appointment comes at a crucial time for the ministry, which is implementing a series of examination reforms following the controversy. Along with the Education Ministry, Joshi will continue to handle his existing portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy.Soon after assuming the additional responsibility, Joshi said he accepted the role with "a sense of duty and humility" and pledged to work towards further strengthening India's education system."I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan implemented the National Education Policy and several important initiatives.
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