Naresh Pal Gangwar Appointed as Higher Education Secretary

The Central Government appointed Naresh Pal Gangwar, an IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre of the 1994 batch, as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. This appointment, was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on July 23rd, 2026, and also part of a major reshuffle in which 13 secretaries were transferred. Gangwar’s predecessor, Vineet Joshi, was transferred to the Department of Panchayati Raj in the latest administrative development in the higher education sector of India.

Naresh Pal Gangwar Secretary Appointed Department of Higher Education

Naresh Pal Gangwar has taken on his duties as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.

This appointment is part of a larger administrative reorganizing aimed at improving administration within various ministries.

As head of the department, Gangwar will be responsible for implementing policies as well as making reforms in institutions and coordination with Indian Higher Education institutions.

Regarding the Department of Higher Education

The responsibilities of the Department of Higher Education include making policies regarding higher education of India.

The responsibilities of the Department of Higher Education includes the,

• Supervision of Central Universities
• Coordination with Institutions of National Importance
• Policy Making about higher and technical education
• Supervision of regulatory bodies of higher education

The department collaborates with the School Education and Literacy Department, the other department of the Ministry of Education.

Career Overview of Naresh Pal Gangwar

Naresh Pal Gangwar, an experienced IAS officer with vast experience working at state and central government levels.

Important Points

• Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Batch: 1994
• Cadre: Rajasthan
• New Position: Secretary, Department of Higher Education
• Previous Position: Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying

His varied administrative background is expected to benefit policy reforms and institutional progress in the higher education system of India.

Educational Qualifications

Naresh Pal Gangwar has successfully completed his education in his fields of interest, engineering and economics.

His degrees consist of,

• B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering
• M.Tech in IIT Delhi
• M.A. in Economics from the University of Rajasthan