Senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Union Education Ministry, replacing Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned on Saturday, taking charge of ethics in the NEET-UG 2026 controversy.His appointment coincides with the ministry facing a major overhaul of the examination system, which was followed by a series of irregularities in its procedures. Apart from Education, Joshi will continue to look after other ministries that he was in charge of previously, such as, consumer affairs, Food and Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy.Soon after assuming the additional charge, Joshi said he accepted the position with “responsibility and humility” and pledged to work hard to promote Indian education.
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“I accept this position with responsibility and humility. I thank the Prime Minister. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan implemented the National Education Policy with several important measures. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfill my responsibility with dedication,” he said.
Educational Qualification of Pralhad Joshi
Born on November 27, 1962, in Bijapur in Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi completed his early education in Hubballi. He attended the Railway School for his primary education before attending the New English School for secondary school.For higher education, Joshi graduated from Shri Kadasiddheshwar Arts College, Hubballi, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in arts. Before entering full-time politics, he was associated with business and later became a prominent BJP leader in Karnataka.
Political work
A five-time Lok Sabha MP from Dharwad constituency in Karnataka, Joshi has been representing the seat continuously since 2004. Over the years, he has held several key positions in the party and the Union government.From 2019 to 2024, he was the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines. Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he was given the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy.As minister for renewable energy, he oversees key government initiatives, including the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Prime Minister Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-KUSUM, and efforts to expand renewable energy in India.
Why his appointment is important
The public is not interested, and the government is very critical of education from different areas. Joshi is leading the Ministry of Education in such critical times. Meanwhile, the government has made a decision to introduce several major changes such as the merger of the National Testing Agency (NTA), improving security measures to prevent paper loss and the transition of NEET to a computer-based test from the year 2027.In his new role as education minister, Joshi will be responsible for implementing these reforms, overseeing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and re-invigorating public confidence in India’s examinations.His entry as minister is a major change in the leadership of the ministry, especially as it is facing a very difficult time in the education sector in India.