Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet on Saturday, saying he was stepping down in the interest of students and the nation amid weeks of protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Pradhan announced on social media that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just hours before the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose month-long protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar had centred on the demand for his resignation.
Pradhan says he accepted responsibility from day one
In a lengthy resignation statement addressed to the country’s youth, Pradhan said he had dedicated more than four decades of his life to students, teachers and education reforms and had always believed that a strong and inclusive education system was the foundation of a strong nation.
“I have always respected the aspirations, emotions and legitimate expectations of the youth of India,” Pradhan said, thanking Prime Minister Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve the country.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026
Referring to the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, Pradhan said the Central government immediately handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and announced a fresh test. He also highlighted the government’s decision to conduct NEET in a computer-based test (CBT) mode from next year.
“Our priority was to conduct the examination smoothly for more than 20 lakh students. With the support of the Central and state governments, district administrations, students and parents, the re-examination was successfully held on June 21,” he said.
Pradhan added that he had “accepted responsibility from the very first day” and never tried to avoid the situation.
“My resolve was that no deserving student should suffer because of the examination mafia and no student should face injustice,” he said.
‘My resignation is not about personal prestige’
The former minister said the declaration of NEET-UG results on July 16 had brought success to many talented students, including those from economically weaker backgrounds.
However, he alleged that certain people in responsible positions continued trying to mislead students during the controversy.
“I have always believed in the strength of our democracy and deeply respected the dreams and aspirations of our youth. They are not only India’s future but also the builders of a developed India,” Pradhan wrote.
Expressing concern over the protests of the past 10 days, he said, “This is not a matter of my personal prestige.”
Says resignation aimed at protecting students and national unity
Explaining his decision, Pradhan said he wanted to ensure that students’ futures were not affected by prolonged unrest or legal complications.
“I do not want the youth of the country to fall into the trap of misinformation,” he said.
Referring to the protests at Jantar Mantar and demonstrations across the country, Pradhan added, “So that anti-national forces do not take advantage of the present situation, the unity of the country remains intact, no student’s future gets entangled in legal complications, and our children focus on their studies and careers, I have sent my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
He concluded by thanking the Prime Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials and staff for their support and said serving the nation would remain his highest priority.
“I will continue to dedicate myself to serving Mother India, the people of Odisha and fulfilling the aspirations of the country’s youth,” Pradhan said.
Resignation comes ahead of fresh talks with protesters
Pradhan’s resignation comes after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and just before another round of talks between the Centre and representatives of the CJP.
The protesters had consistently demanded the resignation of the Education Minister, holding him accountable for repeated examination irregularities and seeking reforms to restore confidence in the country’s examination system.
