Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Education Minister Amid NEET-UG Protests
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his position following weeks of student protests over irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. His resignation comes amid increasing pressure from students and activists demanding accountability regarding the examination controversy and calling for reforms in the conduct of major entrance tests in the country.
Pradhan announced his resignation on Saturday through a post on X, sharing a letter addressed to his young supporters. In the letter, he stated that he made this decision with the future of students in mind. He emphasized that he aimed to ensure students would not be caught in legal complications or confusion, allowing them to focus on their studies and careers.
The resignation follows weeks of protests held in Delhi and other parts of the country, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had consistently called for Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET-UG controversy. Just a day before the resignation, CJP representatives, led by Abhijeet Dipke, met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. After the meeting, the group reported that the government had requested one day to consider the demand for Pradhan’s resignation.
In his letter, Pradhan acknowledged the irregularities detected in the NEET-UG examination that took place on May 3, 2026. He stated that the government had referred the investigation to the CBI, canceled the examination, and announced a re-test. Additionally, the government decided to transition to computer-based testing for the examination the following year.
He mentioned that the re-examination for more than 20 lakh students was completed on June 21 through what he described as a “whole-of-government approach,” involving central and state authorities, district administrations, students, and parents. The NEET-UG results were later announced on July 16.
Pradhan expressed that he had taken responsibility from the start and did not want any deserving student’s future to be negatively impacted by examination irregularities. However, he also conveyed deep concern over what he described as attempts to mislead students and create confusion during the protests.
The CJP welcomed his resignation, stating that the Education Minister had made the right decision and praising the power of student voices. With Pradhan stepping down, attention now shifts to the government’s next steps and the future of examination reforms. For students, the overarching demand remains clear: fair, secure, and trustworthy examinations.
