Pralhad Joshi Takes Over as Education Minister, Vows Overhaul of Exam Conduct

On Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu formally accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and handed the education portfolio to senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi. The move comes at a time when students, parents and educators are vocal about the glitches that plague India’s massive exam machinery.

Speaking to the press shortly after taking oath, Joshi said the ministry would "bring meaningful change" to how exams are organised, conducted and evaluated. He acknowledged the frustration many feel over delayed results, alleged paper leaks and the overwhelming pressure on candidates.

"Our priority is to make the process transparent, timely and fair," Joshi told reporters. "We will explore digital solutions, tighten security protocols and ensure that every aspirant gets a level playing field." He hinted that a committee of experts would be set up within weeks to review existing policies and recommend reforms.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the fresh leadership but remain cautious. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have both urged the new minister to fast‑track the pending digitalisation of board examinations, especially after the chaos witnessed during recent state-level tests.

Joshi also promised to look into the mental‑health impact of high‑stakes testing, suggesting that counselling services be integrated into school curricula. While the exact roadmap is yet to be unveiled, the minister’s commitment to overhaul the exam system has already sparked debate on social media, with many hoping for a more student‑friendly approach.

Only time will tell whether these promises translate into concrete actions, but the message is clear: the era of “business as usual” in India's exam culture may be drawing to a close.