NEW DELHI — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from the Council of Ministers following weeks of nationwide student demonstrations over exam irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 tests.
In a detailed resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and posted to social media, Pradhan stated that his departure is aimed at preventing “anti-national forces” from exploiting the protests and ensuring students can focus on their education without legal or political distractions.
Key Points from Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Statement
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Four Decades in Education: Highlighted a 40-year commitment to students, teachers, and education reform, framing an inclusive education system as the foundation of national growth.
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Immediate Administrative Action: Reaffirmed that the government acted swiftly upon learning of the May 3 exam irregularities by handing the probe to the CBI, cancelling the test, conducting a fresh exam on June 21, and scheduling Computer-Based Test (CBT) modes starting next year.
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Addressing Exam Integrity: Stated that he took full personal responsibility from day one to protect meritorious students from the “exam mafia”.
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Reasons for Stepping Down: Cited deep distress over political figures misleading youth and noted that resigning was necessary to protect national unity and prevent legal complications for protesting students at Jantar Mantar and across India.
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Future Outlook: Expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and pledged to continue serving the nation and the people of Odisha under the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
Executive Summary
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Outgoing Official: Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Minister of Education)
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Primary Cause: Controversies and student protests surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examinations
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Investigating Body: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
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Key Future Policy: Transition of NEET-UG to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) mode starting 2027
