Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation on Saturday amidst ongoing protests regarding the NEET paper leak controversy. He stated that he took this step to ensure that the students’ future would not be jeopardized and to prevent “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation at Jantar Mantar.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan affirmed his unwavering commitment to students, teachers, and educational reforms. He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance and support.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation: The Education Minister sent his resignation to PM Modi amidst protests over the NEET paper leak. “The unity of the country must remain intact; no student in India should get entangled in legal complications, and our children should focus on their studies and building their careers. Keeping this in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.”
He stated that as soon as irregularities in the NEET-UG exam came to light, the government immediately took cognizance of the matter, handed the investigation over to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a date for a re-examination. Furthermore, he mentioned that a decision has been made to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode starting next year.
Pradhan said, “During this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam for over 20 lakh students. We worked with a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, in which the central government as well as state governments—and particularly district administrations—played a crucial role. With the cooperation of students and parents, the exam was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026.” He further stated, “From day one, I took responsibility for the situation and never shied away from it. I was determined to ensure that the potential of no meritorious student was wasted due to the ‘exam mafia’ and that no student faced injustice.”
He remarked that during the process regarding the re-examination results, “individuals in positions of responsibility attempted to create hurdles and mislead students”—actions that caused him “deep anguish.” “I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have always respected the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the youth. They are not merely India’s future; they are the torchbearers, creators, and architects of a new and developed India. The events of the past ten days have saddened me. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” he added.
“Given the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting it, to maintain national unity, to ensure no Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and to allow our children to focus their time on studies and career-building—I have submitted my resignation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister,” Pradhan said.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Letter
My young friends,
For over four decades, I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and educational reforms. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and future-oriented education system forms the foundation of a strong nation.
I deeply respect the hopes, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Fulfilling the dreams of India’s young generation is a moral responsibility of our political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to serve the country under his visionary leadership.
However, irregularities came to light regarding the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognizance of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, and announced a date for the re-examination. Additionally, it was decided that from next year onwards, this examination would be conducted in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Throughout this process, our top priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. All government departments worked together to achieve this. Along with the Government of India, state governments—and particularly the district administrations—played a crucial role. With the cooperation of students, parents, and families, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026.
From day one, I took responsibility for the situation and never shied away from it. I was determined to ensure that no deserving student’s future would be jeopardized by exam fraud and that no student would face injustice.
The NEET-UG results declared on July 16 were satisfactory, with many talented students from economically weaker backgrounds achieving success.