NEW DELHI — In a major political concession to protesting students, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation on Saturday, taking moral responsibility following weeks of unrest over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.
Pradhan made his decision public by sharing a copy of his two-page resignation letter, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
In his statement, Pradhan noted that his decision was driven by a desire to prevent ongoing demonstrations—particularly those centered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar—from escalating further or being exploited by anti-national elements.
"Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—with the aim of preventing anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student's future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers—I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister," Pradhan wrote.
Escalation Over NEET-UG Irregularities
The crisis stems from the conduct of the NEET-UG entrance exam on May 3, 2026. Following allegations of paper leaks and systemic flaws, the central government initiated a probe through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), canceled the initial examination, and organized a re-examination, which concluded on June 21, 2026.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education announced plans to transition the medical entrance exam entirely to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting next year to minimize administrative vulnerabilities.
Despite the declaration of revised results on July 16, student groups and youth organizations continued mass demonstrations in the national capital, demanding accountability at the highest administrative level.
Focus on Student Welfare
In his farewell note, Pradhan defended the government's swift action while reflecting on his career in public service and educational reform spanning over four decades. He emphasized that at no point did he shirk responsibility for the complications surrounding the national exam.
"From day one, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the 'exam mafia' and to ensure that no student faced injustice," Pradhan stated in his letter.
Expressing dismay over political maneuvering surrounding the controversy, Pradhan added that the situation was "not a matter of personal prestige" and expressed deep pain over the unrest seen over the past ten days. He concluded by thanking Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet colleagues for their trust and guidance throughout his tenure, reiterating his commitment to public service in Odisha and across India.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has yet to issue an official statement regarding the acceptance of the resignation or the interim charge of the Ministry of Education.
