Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Rising NEET-UG Protests At Jantar Mantar:

In a historic political development following weeks of nationwide student unrest, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has officially tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The resignation comes directly in the wake of escalating protests staged by NEET-UG candidates at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, who demanded high-level accountability for procedural irregularities detected during the competitive medical entrance exams. Announcing his decision on social media, Pradhan articulated that his resignation stems from a moral commitment to protect the interests, unity, and academic future of India’s youth while preventing anti-national elements from misguiding vulnerable students.

Transparent Reforms, CBT Mode Transition, And CBI Probe Highlighted In Minister’s Farewell Statement

Addressing his four-decade-long career in public service and educational reform, Dharmendra Pradhan detailed the immediate corrective measures undertaken by the Union Government after irregularities surfaced in the May 3, 2026, NEET-UG examination. He highlighted that the initial test was promptly canceled, handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe, and successfully re-conducted on June 21, 2026, across state and district administrations. Pradhan also emphasized the historic decision to permanently transition future NEET-UG examinations to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting next year to eradicate paper leak vulnerabilities and neutralize organized exam mafias.

“Country’s Youth Power Is True Strength”: Pradhan Steps Down To Guard Students From Legal Entanglements

Reflecting on the recent NEET-UG results announced on July 16, 2026—which saw numerous underprivileged candidates achieve merit—Pradhan expressed deep distress over attempts by interested parties to create confusion among aspirants. Stating that the ongoing crisis was never a matter of personal prestige, the outgoing minister noted that he stepped down to ensure that student careers do not become trapped in endless court battles or political maneuvering. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offering prayers to Lord Jagannath, Pradhan reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serving the youth of India and his home state of Odisha.