Senior IAS officer Mandeep K Bhandari has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE, bringing experienced administrative leadership to one of India’s most important school education institutions.
Bhandari is a 2001 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre. His appointment comes at a significant time for CBSE as the Board continues to strengthen its examination systems, digital processes and evaluation mechanisms.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment on September 25. The position of CBSE Chairperson has also been temporarily upgraded to the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the Government of India.
Experienced Administrator Takes Charge
Before his appointment to CBSE, Bhandari was serving as Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
An MBBS graduate, Bhandari brings experience across different areas of public administration. He has held several important responsibilities during his career, including serving as Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
His experience in both state and central administration is expected to be significant as CBSE manages a vast network of affiliated schools and millions of students across India and overseas.
Appointment Comes at a Crucial Time for CBSE
The leadership change comes as CBSE has been reviewing aspects of its examination and evaluation processes following concerns surrounding the implementation of the On Screen Marking system for Class XII examinations.
The digital evaluation initiative involved scanned answer sheets being assessed electronically. Concerns relating to its implementation had led to scrutiny of the system and its procurement process.
The developments brought examination administration, transparency and technology enabled evaluation into sharper focus.
Focus on Examination Reforms and Digital Transformation
Bhandari’s tenure comes at a time when CBSE is undergoing broader changes in school education, assessment and examination management.
The Board has been working towards competency based education, changes in assessment practices, greater use of technology and reforms aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
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With technology becoming increasingly central to examinations and academic administration, ensuring reliability, transparency and confidence among students, parents and schools will remain an important area of focus for the new leadership.
A Key Education Leadership Appointment
As one of India’s largest school education boards, CBSE plays an important role in shaping academic standards and assessment practices across the country.
The appointment of Mandeep K Bhandari places an experienced civil servant at the helm of the Board during an important period of institutional and examination reform.
