Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994‑batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer, was appointed Secretary, Department of Higher Education on 23 July 2026 as part of a 13‑secretary reshuffle; he replaced Vineet Joshi who was transferred to the Department of Panchayati Raj.
Department of Higher Education — mandate & bodies
- Mandate: Formulation of higher education policy, regulation and coordination of universities, technical education and institutions of national importance.
- Key regulatory bodies: University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
- Other functions: Implementation of schemes, central funding, rankings and oversight of central universities and Institutes of National Importance.
Appointment specifics
- Appointee: Naresh Pal Gangwar — IAS 1994 batch, Rajasthan cadre.
- Date & authority: Appointment notified 23 July 2026; approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- Context: Part of a 13‑secretary level reshuffle; predecessor moved to Department of Panchayati Raj.
Service, cadre and procedural facts
- IAS legal basis: Indian Administrative Service is an All‑India Service under Article 312 of the Constitution.
- Central deputation: State‑cadre officers are empanelled by DoPT for Secretary‑level central appointments.
- DoPT & ACC role: Department of Personnel & Training processes empanelment and central postings; ACC approves Secretary‑level transfers and appointments.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Previous posting: Gangwar served as Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying before this appointment.
- Education: BTech (Electronics & Communication), MTech (IIT Delhi), MA (Economics, University of Rajasthan).
- Ministry structure: Ministry of Education has two departments — Higher Education; School Education & Literacy.