Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister, citing the interests of students and national unity following the NEET-UG controversy and weeks of protests
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after weeks of protests over alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination irregularities. In a public statement, he said his decision was taken in the interest of students, national unity, and to prevent further confusion among the youth. The resignation comes amid sustained protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and growing political pressure over the examination issue.
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet on Saturday, stepping down amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination and weeks of nationwide protests over alleged irregularities.
Pradhan announced his resignation through a post on X, releasing a detailed letter addressed to students and the people of the country. In the letter, he said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the decision was taken to safeguard students' interests and prevent further unrest.
"I have sent my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister so that the youth of the country do not get trapped in confusion and the future of even a single student is not affected," Pradhan said in his letter.
Dharmendra Pradhan Explains Reason for Resignation
In his statement, Pradhan said he had spent more than four decades working for students, teachers and educational reforms, adding that strengthening India's education system had remained his commitment throughout his public life.
Referring to the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3, he acknowledged that irregularities had surfaced after the examination. He said the Government of India immediately transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelled the examination, ordered a re-examination and decided to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for NEET from next year.
Pradhan said the Centre's priority was to conduct the re-examination for more than 20 lakh students, which was completed on June 21 with the support of state governments, district administrations, students and parents.
"From day one, I took responsibility and was determined not to allow the exam mafia to destroy the future of any deserving student," he stated.
Dharmendra Pradhan Says Decision Was Taken in Students' Interest
Pradhan noted that the NEET-UG 2026 results, announced on July 16, enabled many students from economically weaker backgrounds to secure admission opportunities.
However, he said the developments during the past several days had caused him concern, alleging that some individuals in responsible positions attempted to mislead students during the controversy.
He said the welfare of students remained above personal considerations and stressed that India's youth should remain focused on education and career development rather than prolonged agitation.
"This is not a matter of personal prestige. The youth of India are the real strength of this nation," he wrote.
Dharmendra Pradhan Appeal for National Unity and Democratic Values
In the concluding part of his letter, Pradhan said he had always believed in democratic values and respected the aspirations of young people. He expressed concern over the situation that had developed around the protests at Jantar Mantar, stating that anti-national elements should not be allowed to exploit the circumstances.
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve in the Union Cabinet, along with his ministerial colleagues, ministry officials and staff.
Pradhan said he would continue serving the country and remain committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Odisha and the youth of India.
Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation Comes Amid Protests Over NEET Issue
Pradhan's resignation comes after weeks of demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, including protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and demands from opposition parties seeking accountability over the examination process.
The Centre had earlier announced several reforms, including the introduction of CBT-based examinations, a CBI investigation, and measures aimed at strengthening examination security.
