Senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education, following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
President Droupadi Murmu accepted Pradhan's resignation with immediate effect on Saturday. Joshi, who is already handling key portfolios in the Union Cabinet, will continue to oversee his existing ministries while taking charge of the Education Ministry.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture, with the Centre facing mounting pressure to restore confidence in India's examination system after weeks of student-led protests demanding transparency, accountability and reforms.
Educational Background
Born on November 27, 1962, in Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur), Karnataka, Pralhad Joshi comes from a modest family. His father worked with the Indian Railways, and Joshi completed most of his schooling in Hubballi.
According to his official parliamentary profile, he attended Railway School for his primary education before studying at New English School, Hubballi. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Kadasiddheshwar Arts College, affiliated with Karnataka University, Dharwad, in 1983.
Joshi joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) early in his life before entering active politics through organisational work in Karnataka.
Political Career
A five-time Member of Parliament from Dharwad, Joshi has held several important positions within both the BJP organisation and the Union government.
Before being assigned the Education Ministry, he served in several key ministerial roles, including:
* Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
* Union Minister of Coal
* Union Minister of Mines
* Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
* Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy
* Former President of the BJP's Karnataka unit
Following the Cabinet reshuffle, Joshi will continue to handle his existing portfolios while also leading the Education Ministry.
Accepting his new responsibility, Joshi said: "I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. Under his guidance, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication."
Net Worth
According to the latest election affidavit filed by the Union Minister, Pralhad Joshi and his family have declared total assets worth ₹21.09 crore, while their total liabilities stand at ₹8.01 crore.
The affidavit states that the family's movable assets are valued at ₹8.97 crore, including ₹2.72 crore owned by Joshi, ₹5.93 crore by his wife, and ₹32.03 lakh by his dependent daughter.
Their immovable assets are worth ₹12.11 crore, of which ₹11.24 crore is registered in Joshi's name, while ₹86.39 lakh belongs to his wife.
Family
Pralhad Joshi is married to Jyoti Joshi, who generally stays away from active politics but has occasionally accompanied him during public events and election campaigns.
The couple has three daughters—Arpita, Anusha and Ananya. Despite Joshi's long political career, the family has largely maintained a low public profile.
Joshi assumes charge of the Education Ministry at a time when the government is under intense scrutiny following the NEET paper leak controversy. His immediate challenge will be to oversee reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of India's examination system while restoring public trust in competitive entrance examinations.
