New Delhi: In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle at a time when the Ministry of Education is facing intense public scrutiny over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and student protests, the Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar (IAS:1994:RJ) as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education.
The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on July 23, 2026. Gangwar replaces Vineet Joshi (IAS:1992:MN), who has been transferred as Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The leadership change comes amid nationwide protests led by students and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanding greater transparency and accountability in competitive examinations. While the appointment forms part of a larger top-level bureaucratic reshuffle, it places Gangwar at the helm of one of the government’s most closely watched ministries.
From Animal Husbandry to Higher Education
Before his latest appointment, Naresh Pal Gangwar was serving as Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
As the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, he will oversee policy implementation related to universities, higher educational institutions, research, scholarships, regulatory reforms and central education programmes at a time when examination reforms and institutional credibility have become major public concerns.
The same ACC order also appointed T.K. Anil Kumar (IAS:1995:KN) as Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, signalling a broader leadership overhaul within the Ministry of Education.
A Distinguished 1994-Batch Rajasthan Cadre IAS Officer
Naresh Pal Gangwar belongs to the 1994 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and serves in the Rajasthan cadre.
Born on October 21, 1970, he has over three decades of administrative experience across district administration, state governance, renewable energy, environment, education and central policymaking.
Throughout his career, he has handled several critical portfolios both in Rajasthan and the Government of India, building expertise in governance, infrastructure, environmental regulation, education and public administration.
Academic Excellence: IIT Roorkee, IIT Delhi and Economics
Gangwar possesses an impressive academic background combining engineering and economics.
His qualifications include:
- B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IIT Roorkee
- M.Tech. in Communication and Radar Engineering from IIT Delhi
- Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Rajasthan
His technical education has played an important role in shaping several technology-driven governance initiatives during his administrative career.
Extensive Experience in Rajasthan Administration
Gangwar’s administrative journey began in Rajasthan, where he served in several important field assignments.
He worked as District Collector and District Magistrate in multiple districts including:
- Tonk
- Sawai Madhopur
- Jhalawar
- Bharatpur
- Jodhpur (served two terms)
These postings provided him extensive experience in district governance, law and order, public welfare and developmental administration.
Key Role in Rajasthan’s Solar Revolution
Between 2010 and 2014, IAS Gangwar played a crucial role in Rajasthan’s renewable energy expansion.
Serving simultaneously as Secretary, Energy Department and Chairman & Managing Director of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL), he helped formulate policies during the early implementation of the National Solar Mission.
His work contributed significantly to Rajasthan emerging as one of India’s leading solar power-producing states.
Leadership in School Education
Gangwar also spent more than four years leading Rajasthan’s education sector.
He served as Secretary and later Principal Secretary for the School Education Department while simultaneously overseeing:
- Secondary Education
- Elementary Education
- Language and Library Department
- Rajasthan Council of Primary Education
His tenure focused on strengthening school administration, improving educational governance and implementing state-level reforms.
Environmental Policy at the Centre
Before becoming Secretary in the Animal Husbandry Department, Gangwar served in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
He held the positions of Joint Secretary and later Additional Secretary, where he supervised divisions dealing with:
- Air pollution control
- Water pollution management
- Hazardous substances regulation
- Environmental policy implementation
His central deputation gave him substantial experience in national environmental governance and regulatory policymaking.
Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Gangwar most recently headed the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, where he supervised policies relating to livestock development, dairy infrastructure, veterinary services and animal health.
His administrative experience across agriculture, environment and education makes him one of the government’s most experienced senior bureaucrats.
Why His Appointment Matters
Gangwar assumes office when the Department of Higher Education faces unprecedented public attention following the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for reforms in examination systems.
Student organisations and opposition parties have called for greater transparency, improved examination security and institutional accountability. Although the government’s reshuffle is part of a wider administrative exercise, the appointment places Gangwar in charge of policy implementation during a particularly sensitive phase for India’s higher education system.
His extensive administrative background, technical expertise and experience in handling complex governance portfolios are expected to play an important role as the Ministry navigates reforms and addresses growing public expectations.
Career Snapshot
Naresh Pal Gangwar’s career spans multiple high-impact assignments across district administration, state governance and the Union Government. Some of his notable positions include:
- District Collector and District Magistrate in multiple Rajasthan districts
- Secretary, Energy Department, Rajasthan
- CMD, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL)
- Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Rajasthan
- Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Secretary, Department of Higher Education (appointed July 23, 2026)
