CBSE Gets New Chairman: Lokhande Prashant Sitaram Takes Charge Amid OSM Row; Check His Salary and Career Profile

CBSE New Chairman: As part of major administrative changes within the CBSE, Lokhande Prashant Sitaram—an IAS officer of the 2001 batch—has been appointed as the new Chairman. Let us take a look at the salary received by the CBSE Chairman.

The eyes of millions of students, parents, and teachers across the country are currently fixed on the CBSE. Following recent major administrative reshuffles within the Board, a new face has now captured the headlines. The Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Lokhande Prashant Sitaram as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). His appointment is considered highly significant, coming at a time when the CBSE is under the spotlight regarding its evaluation system and the ongoing controversy surrounding On-Screen Marking (OSM).

It is worth noting that Lokhande Prashant Sitaram is an IAS officer belonging to the 2001 batch. He is affiliated with the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre. Prior to joining the administrative services, he was recognized as a technical expert. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University. Subsequently, he completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering from the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) in Mumbai. This implies that he possesses a strong command over both the fields of technical education and management.

25 Years of Administrative Experience

Lokhande Prashant Sitaram brings with him approximately two and a half decades of experience in the administrative services. Throughout his extensive career, he has served in several key departments. He has shouldered diverse responsibilities in areas such as law and order, general administration, policy formulation, and the implementation of government schemes. He is recognized as an officer capable of handling complex matters in a systematic and organized manner. It is for this very reason that the Central Government has entrusted him with responsibilities across several pivotal positions.

Played a Key Role in the Ministry of Home Affairs

Prior to assuming the role of CBSE Chairman, Lokhande Prashant Sitaram served as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Ministry of Home Affairs is counted among the most critical ministries within the Central Government—a hub where matters concerning national security, administrative coordination, and major policy decisions are addressed. During his tenure in this capacity, he oversaw and monitored numerous significant matters. Given his extensive administrative experience and understanding of policy formulation, he has now been entrusted with one of the most critical responsibilities within the education sector.

How much is the CBSE Chairman’s salary?

The CBSE Chairman receives a monthly salary ranging from approximately ₹3 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh. This package comprises a basic pay of ₹2 lakh to ₹2.25 lakh, along with various allowances such as DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), and Transport Allowance. Additionally, he is provided with government accommodation and other facilities. Varun Bhardwaj, Director of the Department of Higher Education, has also been assigned a new responsibility and appointed as the Secretary (Director-level) of the CBSE.