In a significant development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday announced that he has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move comes after weeks of sustained protests by students and youth groups demanding accountability over issues in the education system, particularly the NEET-UG examination controversies.
The protests, largely led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and supported across various parts of the country, remained largely peaceful. Students and young protesters maintained their sit-in for several weeks, pressing for the Education Minister’s resignation. Their persistence through non-violent means ultimately led to the outcome they had sought.
Sharing a detailed letter on his official X account addressed to the youth of the nation, Pradhan reflected on his long association with the education sector and the recent challenges surrounding the NEET-UG exam. He stated that the government had taken prompt steps after irregularities were detected, including a CBI investigation, cancellation of the exam, and a fresh examination. He also noted the decision to conduct the exam in computer-based mode from the next year.
X post by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp), posted on 25 July 2026
Full English Translation:
My young friends,
For more than the last four decades, I have remained dedicated to students, teachers and education reform. My firm belief has always been that only a strong, inclusive and visionary education system can be the foundation of a strong nation.
I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings and rightful expectations of the youth of the country. Making the dreams of India’s young generation come true has been the moral resolve of all of us in political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity I received to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.
However, irregularities were found in the NEET-UG examination held on 3 May 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognizance of it, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and announced a fresh date. Along with this, a decision was taken to conduct this examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year.
During this period, our main priority remained that the examination of more than 20 lakh students be conducted smoothly. Work was done under a whole-of-government approach. In this, state governments, especially district administrations, played an important role along with the Government of India. With the cooperation of students, guardians and parents, the examination was successfully conducted on 21 June 2026.
From the very first day, I took responsibility for this and never turned my face away from this situation. My resolve was that we will not let the future of any meritorious student be ruined because of the examination mafia, and that no student will be subjected to injustice.
The NEET-UG results announced on 16 July were encouraging, in which several meritorious students from poor backgrounds also succeeded.
Yet during this period, some people holding responsible positions tried to mislead several students, which pained me deeply.
I have always had unshakable faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth. They are not only the future of India but also the carriers, builders and architects of a new and developed India.
Looking at the events of the last 10 days, my heart is saddened. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me.
The youth power of India is the real strength of this country.
My resolve is that we will not let the youth of the country fall into the trap of any illusion or conspiracy.
Keeping in mind the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation, the unity of the country remains intact, the future of even a single student of India does not get entangled in legal complications, and our children focus their time on studies and building their careers — I have sent my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister.
I express my heartfelt gratitude for the guidance, trust and continuous cooperation of the Honourable Prime Minister. At the same time, I also thank all my respected colleagues in the Council of Ministers, officers and employees of the Ministry, and all those with whom I had the privilege of working. Nation service is the highest priority of my life. I will always remain dedicated to it.
With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, in the future too I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to the fulfilment of the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha and the youth of the country.
Yours,
Dharmendra Pradhan
Pradhan expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his guidance and to his colleagues and officials. He reaffirmed that serving the nation remains his highest priority.
The announcement marks a moment of victory for the student protesters who had consistently demanded the minister’s resignation through peaceful means. Their sustained campaign has now achieved its primary goal.
