NEW DELH, July 25, 2026 : In a significant reshuffle at the Centre, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Education following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.
According to an official communiqué issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation with immediate effect. The President has also directed that Prahlad Joshi, who currently serves as the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, will hold the additional charge of the Education Ministry alongside his existing responsibilities.
The leadership change comes against the backdrop of nationwide student protests demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy. Demonstrations intensified across several states, with protesters calling for Pradhan’s resignation and pressing the government to ensure transparency and fairness in the examination system.
Earlier in the day, Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his ministerial post, stating that the issue was never about “individual prestige.” He expressed concern over the developments of the past ten days, saying he was deeply disturbed by the sequence of events that had unfolded. His resignation is being viewed as a major political response to mounting public pressure and student unrest.
Prahlad Joshi’s appointment is expected to provide continuity in the functioning of the Education Ministry while the government focuses on addressing concerns related to examination reforms and restoring confidence among students and parents. His immediate priorities are likely to include reviewing the current situation, strengthening examination security mechanisms, and ensuring that ongoing educational initiatives continue without disruption.
The change in leadership marks a crucial moment for the Education Ministry as the government faces increasing demands for greater transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reforms in the country’s examination system.
