From Smriti Irani to Dharmendra Pradhan: A Look at the NDA Government's Education Ministry's Transitions

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down from his post following intense public scrutiny and nationwide protests over the NEET-UG examination paper leak controversy. Following his resignation, Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Ministry of Education, becoming India's new Union Education Minister. Pradhan's departure marks a significant leadership shift in a portfolio that has seen five distinct ministers steer its course over the past twelve years of the BJP-led administration.

Leadership Evolution Under the Ministry

Since the BJP-led government came to power in 2014, the education portfolio - initially designated as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) before being formally renamed in 2020 - has experienced multiple leadership transitions. List of Education Ministers of India: Tenure and Qualifications.

Smriti Irani (2014–2016)

Assuming office in May 2014, Irani oversaw the rollback of Delhi University's Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) and initiated drafts for the National Education Policy alongside launching the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2015. Her tenure also faced parliamentary scrutiny during campus protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Hyderabad University.

Prakash Javadekar (2016–2019)

Taking charge in 2016, Javadekar oversaw the enactment of the IIM Act, 2017- declaring all Indian Institutes of Management as Institutions of National Importance - and established the National Testing Agency (NTA) in 2017. His term encountered challenges following a CBSE question paper leak case in 2018.

Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank' (2019–2021)

Appointed in May 2019, Pokhriyal’s tenure was defined by the approval of the landmark National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He stepped down in July 2021 citing health reasons following post-COVID complications.

Dharmendra Pradhan (2021–2026)

Serving for nearly five years, Pradhan became the longest-serving education minister under the NDA administration. While he spearheaded the rollout of NEP 2020 and promoted regional language education, his tenure ultimately faced severe political and public backlash regarding competitive examination irregularities and paper leaks. Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Education Minister, Says ‘Pained by Last 10 Days’ Events’.

Transition to Pralhad Joshi

Pralhad Joshi steps into the role while continuing to manage his existing cabinet portfolios, including Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy. Expressing humility regarding his new assignment, Joshi stated, “I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan implemented the National Education Policy and several important initiatives. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication.”

The newly appointed minister faces immediate administrative priorities, including executing upcoming examination structural reforms, monitoring the ongoing implementation of the NEP 2020, and restoring student confidence in national testing frameworks.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 05:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).