Mandeep K. Bhandari Named CBSE Chairperson Amid OSM Row

NEW DELHI — The Ministry of Education announced on 25 September 2026 that IAS officer Mandeep K. Bhandari will take over as chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The appointment comes after a series of controversies surrounding the board’s online supplementary material (OSM) policy and a succession of three chairpersons in the last four months.

Background of the Appointment

The CBSE, which administers the national curriculum for over 1.5 million students, has faced criticism over its OSM guidelines. The board’s decision to allow teachers to upload supplementary content on its portal was challenged by several stakeholders, leading to a public inquiry and a call for a fresh leadership. The government’s decision to appoint Bhandari, a senior IAS officer with experience in educational administration, was announced through a press release on the Ministry’s website.

Profile of Mandeep K. Bhandari

Bhandari has served in various capacities within the Ministry of Education and the Department of School Education. Prior to this appointment, he was the Deputy Secretary in the School Education Division. His selection follows a recommendation by the Education Ministry’s advisory committee, which cited his track record in policy implementation and oversight of large educational programmes.

Previous Chairpersons and Turnover

In the months leading up to Bhandari’s appointment, the CBSE chairperson post saw three occupants. The first, Dr. R. N. Sharma, resigned in late May after the OSM controversy escalated. He was succeeded by Dr. A. K. Gupta, who served for only two months before stepping down amid allegations of mismanagement. The third, Ms. S. L. Patel, was appointed in August but was removed after a brief tenure due to administrative disagreements. The rapid succession prompted the Ministry to seek a more stable leadership figure.

Implications for the Board’s Policies

In a statement issued by the Ministry, officials said the new chairperson would focus on “strengthening the board’s regulatory framework and ensuring compliance with national educational standards.” The statement also noted that Bhandari would oversee the review of the OSM policy and work with the CBSE’s technical committee to align digital resources with the curriculum.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Teachers’ associations expressed cautious optimism about the appointment. A spokesperson for the National Association of Teachers said the board needed a leader with administrative experience to navigate the current challenges. Parents’ groups, however, called for transparent communication about upcoming changes to the OSM guidelines.

Official Context and Legal Framework

The CBSE operates under the authority of the Ministry of Education and is governed by the Central Board of Secondary Education Act, 1962. The appointment of a chairperson is made by the Ministry in consultation with the CBSE’s governing body. The new chairperson will serve a term of four years, subject to renewal based on performance and policy outcomes.

Future Outlook

With Bhandari’s appointment, the CBSE is expected to stabilize its leadership and address the OSM controversy. The board has already scheduled a series of consultations with state education departments to revise its digital content policies. The Ministry has indicated that it will monitor the board’s progress closely through quarterly reviews.