Mandeep K. Bhandari Appointed as New CBSE Chairperson

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has appointed a new chairperson. Mandeep K. Bhandari, an IAS officer from the 2001 AGMUT cadre, has been selected for this role. His appointment was approved by the Cabinet Appointment Committee (ACC) on September 25, 2026. Prior to this, he served as the Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

From Medical Studies to IAS

Mandeep K. Bhandari has a background in medicine. According to his service profile, he completed his MBBS from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. He later entered the administrative service through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

This transition from medical education to administrative service is a notable aspect of his career. As an IAS officer, he has held various responsibilities ranging from district administration to roles in the central government and union territories.

Over Two Decades of Administrative Experience

Mandeep Bhandari's administrative career spans over two decades. During this time, he has worked in positions such as Deputy Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary, and Chief Administrative Officer.

He has also served as Deputy Commissioner of Jammu and Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to being the Divisional Commissioner for the Jammu Division.

Key Roles in the Central Government

Bhandari has held significant positions within the central government. Reports indicate that in 2018, he served as the Private Secretary to the then Union Minister of Human Resource Development. He also held the position of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

His administrative experience includes responsibilities related to health and medical education. He has also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Principal Secretary to the LG of Jammu and Kashmir

Before becoming the CBSE Chairperson, Mandeep Bhandari was the Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. In this role, he was responsible for crucial administrative matters related to the union territory.

His new role involves overseeing the school education system in the country, where he will manage various important tasks related to CBSE-affiliated schools, board examinations, curriculum, and evaluation.

Taking Charge at a Critical Time for CBSE

Mandeep Bhandari assumes the role of CBSE Chairperson at a time when discussions are ongoing regarding the use of digital technology in board examinations and evaluation processes. In 2026, issues related to the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system arose, with complaints from students regarding scanned answer sheets, portals, and re-evaluation processes. The government has initiated an inquiry into the procurement of services related to OSM.

However, various claims and complaints related to these matters have been examined at different levels, and it is not appropriate to consider all allegations as independently substantiated.

Significant Responsibilities Await at CBSE

CBSE is one of the largest school education boards in the country. As Chairperson, Bhandari will be responsible for board examinations for classes 10 and 12, school affiliations, curriculum, evaluation, and administrative arrangements related to examinations.

According to the CBSE website, the process for schools to submit the List of Candidates (LOC) for the main examinations of classes 10 and 12 for the 2026-27 session is currently ongoing, making it crucial for the new Chairperson to ensure smooth preparations for the upcoming examination cycle.

From Medicine to Administration and Now Education

Mandeep K. Bhandari's career has transitioned from medical education to civil service and various responsibilities in the central and Jammu-Kashmir administrations. As the CBSE Chairperson, he will now oversee the examination and educational systems affecting millions of students and schools across the country. His appointment brings new full-time leadership to CBSE.