Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Education Minister Amid Massive NEET Paper Leak Protests

New Delhi, 25 July 2026 – In a major political development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers amid nationwide student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak.

Pradhan announced the decision in a detailed letter addressed to his “young friends.” He confirmed that he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country.

“I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for more than four decades,” Pradhan wrote. “Considering the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country — that anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, that the unity of the country should be preserved, that not even a single student’s future should get entangled in legal complications, and that our children should devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers — I have sent my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”

The resignation comes after sustained protests led by student groups, including the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had made Pradhan’s exit a non-negotiable demand. Protests intensified over the last 10 days following irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on 3 May 2026.

The government had earlier cancelled the exam, handed the probe to the CBI, and announced a re-examination. It also decided that from next year the exam would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The NEET-UG results declared on 16 July were described by Pradhan as “satisfactory,” with many meritorious students from poor backgrounds succeeding.

However, Pradhan expressed deep anguish over attempts by “certain individuals occupying positions of responsibility” to mislead students and create obstruction. He emphasised that the issue was never about personal reputation but about protecting the future of India’s youth.

Pradhan’s resignation marks a rare instance of a senior Modi government minister stepping down under sustained street pressure. CJP leaders had earlier stated that the resignation was essential before further talks with the Centre.

The development is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing student movement and the future handling of competitive examinations in India.

Stay tuned for more updates on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and the NEET paper leak protests.