Union Minister Pralhad Joshi took charge of the Ministry of Education on Sunday after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over the NEET paper leak controversy. Joshi will continue to serve as Consumer Affairs Minister while also handling the Education Ministry.
Pradhan stepped down on Saturday after nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanded his resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan said the issue was not about “individual prestige.” He also said he was deeply disturbed by the events of the past 10 days.
Joshi Pledges to Continue Education Reforms
After receiving the additional charge, Joshi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for trusting him with the responsibility. “I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, many historic achievements have been made. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication."
Today, I assumed charge as the Union Minister for Education.
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) July 26, 2026
I am grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for placing his faith in me and entrusting me with this responsibility. I accept it with humility and a deep sense of duty.
ಇಂದು ಭಾರತ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ… pic.twitter.com/Ge2ulvf3L8
First Challenge: Restore Trust in Exams
Joshi faces his biggest challenge from day one. He must restore public trust in India's national examination system. The NEET paper leak controversy has shaken the confidence of students and parents across the country. Joshi must assure millions of candidates that future exams will be fair, transparent and secure.
He must also respond to the public anger that followed the nationwide protests. In addition, he will have to oversee relief measures for families of students who suffered severe emotional distress after the exam cancellations.
Second Challenge: Reform the National Testing Agency
Joshi must also overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA). He will need to strengthen security systems and improve the agency's functioning. He must close loopholes that allowed paper leaks and other exam irregularities.
The government is also expected to introduce tougher anti-cheating laws and take strict action against organised paper-leak networks. At the same time, Joshi must oversee the transition from pen-and-paper exams to secure computer-based testing (CBT).
Third Challenge: Implement the National Education Policy
Joshi must continue implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) across the country. He will need to work closely with states that follow different education systems.
He must ensure that reforms move forward without delays. At the same time, he will continue to manage his existing responsibilities in the Consumer Affairs and Clean Energy ministries.
A Tough Start for the New Education Minister
Pralhad Joshi takes charge at a crucial time for India's education sector. He must restore confidence in the examination system, reform the National Testing Agency, stop future paper leaks and continue implementing the National Education Policy.
His decisions in the coming months will shape the future of education reforms and public trust in India's examination system.