Who is India’s new education minister Pralhad Joshi?

July 26, 2026 - 17:27

Pralhad Joshi, a seasoned politician and long-time member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, has been appointed as India's new Minister of Education. Joshi, who has been a key figure in the Union government since 2019, is widely regarded as a loyalist and a close associate of PM Modi. He previously held the portfolios of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines, where he was known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to push through legislative agendas.

Born in 1969 in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, Joshi began his political career with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has been a four-time Member of Parliament from the Dharwad constituency. His elevation to the education ministry comes at a critical time, as the government is implementing the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to overhaul the country's school and higher education systems.

Joshi's appointment signals the government's intent to bring a disciplined, administrative focus to the education sector. He replaces Dharmendra Pradhan, who has been given a new role in the cabinet. Observers note that Joshi's experience in managing complex ministries and his proximity to the Prime Minister could help accelerate key reforms, though his lack of direct background in education has raised some questions among academic circles.