Who is India’s new education minister?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported on July 26, 2026, that India’s government has named Pralhad Joshi as the country’s new education minister. The appointment comes after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down following weeks of protests over alleged examination scandals. The outlet said the demonstrations were led by the Cockroach Janta Party and had focused public anger on failures in the exam system.

The report also noted that, shortly before his appointment, Joshi appeared to indicate that even strong safeguards may not fully stop exam paper leaks. That remark is likely to draw scrutiny as he takes charge of a ministry facing questions about integrity, accountability and public confidence in national testing processes.

Joshi is a senior Indian politician associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and has previously held central government roles. Al Jazeera’s short video item did not provide details on any immediate policy changes, investigations or reforms he plans to pursue as education minister.

By way of context, examinations in India can determine access to universities, professional courses and public-sector jobs, making alleged leaks or irregularities highly sensitive. The change in leadership therefore matters not only as a cabinet reshuffle, but as a test of whether the government can restore trust among students, parents and institutions after the recent controversy.