Pradhan’s five-year term built operating system for NEP, but exam crisis cast shadow

Dharmendra Pradhan served as Union education minister from July 7, 2021, to July 25, 2026, the longest tenure in PM Modi's cabinet.

His term focused on implementing the National Education Policy 2020 through standardisation and portability measures.

Initiatives included the Common University Entrance Test (2022), National Credit Framework, Academic Bank of Credits, and four-year undergraduate programmes.

APAAR was introduced as a permanent academic identity linking school, university, and skill qualifications via DigiLocker.

The tenure faced challenges over examination credibility, institutional autonomy, and the National Testing Agency's functioning.