Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister amid continued public unrest over irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, and the widespread protests, including demonstrations at Jantar Mantar led by groups such as Cockroach Janta Pary demanding accountability in the education system.
The government had earlier cancelled the May 3 exam after irregularities were detected, handed the case to the CBI, and later rescheduled the exam, deciding to move to Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year. Over 2 million students were affected; the rescheduled examination was completed on June 21, 2026. The results were declared on July 16. Despite these developments, protests and calls for accountability continued, with recent events at Jantar Mantar intensifying public scrutiny.
Pradhan has now stepped down. The full text of his resignation note (verbatim) follows.
My young friends, I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for over four decades. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation.
I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and just expectations of the nation’s youth. Fulfilling the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in all of our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity I have had to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.
However, irregularities were discovered in the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognizance of this, entrusted the investigation to the CBI, canceled the exam, and rescheduled the exam. It was also decided to conduct the exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode from next year.
During this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations for over 2 million students. A whole-of-government approach was employed to achieve this. The Government of India, along with the state government, especially the district administration, played a crucial role. Furthermore, with the cooperation of students, guardians, and parents, the examination was completed on June 21, 2026.
From day one, I took responsibility for this and never shied away from this situation. My resolve was that we would not allow the prospects of any meritorious student to be jeopardized by the exam mafia, that we would not allow any student to be treated unfairly.
The NEET-UG results declared on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from poor backgrounds also achieving success.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026
But even during this time, people holding responsible positions tried to create obstacles to mislead many students, which made me extremely sad.
I have always had unwavering faith in the power of our democracy and deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and aspirations of our youth. They are not only the future of India, but also the bearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India.
I am saddened by the events of the last 10 days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me.
The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. I will not let the youth of the country get trapped in the vicious cycle of confusion, this is my resolve.
The situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and in the country, anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, the unity of the country should be maintained, the future of even a single student of India should not get entangled in legal complications, our children should spend their time in studies, focus on building a career, keeping this in mind, I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and continued support. I also express my gratitude to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry, and all those with whom I have had the privilege of working. Serving the nation is my highest priority in life. I will always remain dedicated to it.
With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath Ji, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way in the future to fulfill the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha and the youth of the country.
Yours,
Dharmendra Pradhan
This development comes amid growing national calls for accountability in the education system and ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere.
At the time of publication, it was not confirmed whether his resignation had been accepted or whether an interim minister had been appointed.
