A veteran parliamentarian from Karnataka with decades of political experience, Joshi will now oversee one of the government's most closely watched ministries at a time when examination reforms and student concerns remain in focus.
Senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Here is a look at Joshi's political journey, ministerial experience and his new responsibilities.
Who is Pralhad Joshi?
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Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a six-time Lok Sabha MP from the Dharwad constituency in Karnataka. Known for his organisational experience and parliamentary work, he has been part of the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2019.
On July 25, President Droupadi Murmu assigned him the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after accepting Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation with immediate effect.
What portfolios does Pralhad Joshi currently hold?
Before taking charge of the Education Ministry, Joshi was serving as:
- Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
- Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy
He will continue to oversee these ministries while also handling the Education Ministry until further orders.
His previous ministerial roles
During the second Modi government (2019–2024), Pralhad Joshi held several important portfolios, including:
- Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
- Minister of Coal
- Minister of Mines
As Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he coordinated the government's legislative agenda and managed business in Parliament. He also oversaw reforms and policy initiatives in the coal and mining sectors.
Political career
Joshi began his political career through the BJP organisation in Karnataka and rose through the party ranks over several decades.
He has represented the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency since 2004 and is regarded as one of the BJP's senior leaders from Karnataka.
Over the years, he has served on multiple parliamentary committees and has played a key role in both organisational and legislative matters.
Why has Pralhad Joshi been given the Education Ministry?
The leadership change comes after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister following weeks of nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assigned the Education Ministry to Joshi as an additional responsibility.
What will Pralhad Joshi's immediate priorities be?
As the minister holding additional charge of the Education Ministry, Joshi is expected to oversee several key issues, including:
- Implementation of examination reforms announced by the Centre
- Strengthening measures to prevent future paper leaks
- Coordination on the proposed anti-paper leak law and fast-track courts
- Restoring confidence among students after the examination controversy
- Continuing discussions with stakeholders on improving transparency in competitive examinations
What happens next?
Pralhad Joshi's appointment is currently an additional charge, meaning he will continue to manage his existing ministries while temporarily heading the Education Ministry.
Whether the government appoints a full-time Education Minister in a future Cabinet reshuffle or allows Joshi to continue in the role will depend on decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks.
Pralhad Joshi takes charge of the Education Ministry at a time when the government is under intense public scrutiny over student concerns and demands for accountability. The developments lead to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation have highlighted that trust and transparency will be crucial in addressing public issues. As students and citizens continue to seek stronger safeguards in the education system, the government will need to focus on dialogue, responsiveness and visible action, as public confidence cannot be rebuilt through authority alone.
Published: 25 Jul 2026, 09:51 pm IST
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