Naresh Pal Gangwar Appointed Higher Education Secretary Amid Push for Exam Reforms

Jaipur, July 2026 : In a major bureaucratic reshuffle at a time when the Centre is under pressure over alleged examination paper leaks and irregularities in competitive tests, including NEET, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education.

A 1994-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Gangwar takes over the crucial post at a time when concerns over the transparency and credibility of national-level examinations have intensified. The government has been facing increasing demands from students, educational bodies and political parties for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the examination system and restore public confidence.

Officials believe Gangwar’s appointment signals the Centre’s intent to accelerate reforms and improve accountability in higher education administration. As Higher Education Secretary, he is expected to play a pivotal role in reviewing the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), enhancing the security and transparency of entrance and recruitment examinations, and implementing measures to prevent future paper leaks.

His immediate focus is likely to include strengthening examination protocols, improving institutional oversight, and rebuilding trust among millions of students affected by recent controversies surrounding national entrance examinations.

Before assuming his new responsibilities, Gangwar served as Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. During his tenure, he oversaw several key policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the livestock and dairy sectors.

Prior to his deputation to the Centre, Gangwar held several important positions in the Rajasthan government, including serving as District Collector in multiple districts and later as Principal Secretary. Over nearly three decades in public administration, he has built a reputation for effective governance and policy implementation across diverse sectors.

Gangwar is also recognised for his contribution to India’s renewable energy initiatives. He played an important role in shaping Rajasthan’s Solar Policy between 2010 and 2014 during the early implementation phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, helping position the state as a leader in solar energy development.

His experience also extends to environmental governance. While serving in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, he contributed to policy formulation related to pollution control and hazardous waste management, adding to his broad administrative expertise.

Academically, Gangwar possesses an impressive multidisciplinary background. He earned a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the then University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), followed by an M.Tech in Communication and Radar Engineering from IIT Delhi. He also holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

His appointment comes at a critical juncture as the Ministry of Education works to strengthen examination security, introduce systemic safeguards against paper leaks, and implement institutional reforms aimed at restoring credibility and public trust in India’s competitive examination system.