New Delhi : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down from his post, submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as student protests continue nationwide over irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.
In his resignation message, Pradhan said the decision was made with the future of India’s youth and the country’s unity in mind. He laid out a timeline of how the government had handled the crisis:
Swift response to the leak: As soon as irregularities surfaced in the exam conducted on May 3, 2026, the government acted quickly — ordering a CBI investigation and cancelling the exam altogether.
A fresh exam for over 20 lakh students: Taking a coordinated, government-wide approach, authorities organized a re-test on June 21, 2026. Results, which were well received, came out on July 16.
Shift to computer-based testing: Going forward, NEET-UG will move to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting next year.
“I won’t let the exam mafia ruin any student’s future”
Pradhan said he had owned the situation from the very beginning and never shied away from responsibility. His main concern throughout, he said, was protecting deserving students from having their futures destroyed by exam fraud networks. At the same time, he voiced frustration that some individuals in positions of responsibility had tried to mislead students and create further confusion during the crisis.
Why he chose to resign
Pradhan pointed to the broader national mood and the wellbeing of young people as his key reasons for stepping down. In his words, he wanted to prevent anti-national elements from taking advantage of the unrest at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere, safeguard national unity, keep students out of legal trouble, and let them get back to focusing on their studies and careers. With all this in mind, he said, he had submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister.
He thanked PM Modi for his continued guidance and support, and expressed appreciation for his colleagues in the Council of Ministers as well as the ministry’s officials and staff.
Pradhan closed by saying that, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, he would continue serving the people of Odisha, working toward the aspirations of India’s youth, and serving the nation.
As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, saying he has sent his resignation to PM Modi, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says, “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. This is the proof that if you don’t get scared, if you don’t bow down in front of this government, you can take anyone’s resignation. Don’t be scared in democracy.”
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026