Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1990 batch, Bihar cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education (since 1 December 2022)
Education and Early Career
Shri Sanjay Kumar holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. He later pursued further studies in the United States. After joining the IAS in 1990, he held several important positions in Bihar and with the central government, especially in the fields of education, rural development, and governance reform.
He served as Principal Secretary in the Education Department of Bihar, where he initiated a number of reforms to improve school infrastructure, teacher accountability, and access to quality education.
Leadership in School Education
Upon taking charge as Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy in December 2022, Shri Kumar began overseeing all policies and programs related to school education in India. His work focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, digital learning, teacher training, inclusive education, and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Initiatives
- Implementation of NEP 2020: Played a central role in rolling out the National Curriculum Framework for School Education and reforms in school assessments.
- Digital Learning Infrastructure: Expanded access to digital tools like DIKSHA, PM eVidya, and virtual labs, especially in remote and underserved regions.
- NIPUN Bharat Mission: Strengthened the foundational literacy and numeracy mission with the introduction of innovative tools like the “Jaadui Pitara.”
- Teacher Training and Capacity Building: Oversaw large-scale training programs for teachers across states, focusing on pedagogy, multilingual education, and student-centric learning.
- Inclusive and Equitable Education: Promoted educational access for tribal children, children with special needs, and students in remote areas.
- International Engagement: Represented India at global education summits and worked on international collaborations in education as part of India’s G20 Presidency.
Vision and Impact
Shri Sanjay Kumar is known for his structured approach and evidence-based policymaking. His leadership has emphasized strengthening the school ecosystem through digital transformation, holistic development, and equitable access to quality education.