THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 25, 2026
In a significant political development amid the ongoing
NEET-UG paper leak controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on
Saturday resigned from the Union Council of Ministers, stating that his
decision was driven by the larger interest of students and to ensure that the
country’s youth do not become “trapped in a web of confusion.” President
Droupadi Murmu, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accepted
his resignation with immediate effect under Article 75(2) of the Constitution
of India.
Following Pradhan’s resignation, President Droupadi Murmu also
approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation to entrust Union Cabinet Minister
Pralhad Joshi with the additional charge of the Ministry of Education,
alongside his existing portfolio, until further arrangements are made.
Pradhan’s resignation comes against the backdrop of the
nationwide controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026
examination. In a detailed resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, the former Education Minister reiterated his unwavering
commitment to the education sector and said stepping down was necessary to
safeguard students’ interests and preserve public confidence in the examination
system.
“For over four
decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and
educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and
visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” Pradhan
wrote, underlining that his decision was guided by national interest rather
than personal considerations.
Recalling the events that unfolded after the NEET-UG
examination held on May 3, 2026, Pradhan highlighted that the Centre acted
swiftly once irregularities came to light. He said the government immediately
transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI),
cancelled the examination, and announced a fresh date for the re-examination to
ensure fairness and transparency.
He also pointed out that the government has decided to
conduct the NEET-UG examination in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next
year as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen the integrity of the
examination process and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Pradhan stated that the government’s foremost priority during
the crisis was to ensure that the re-examination for more than 20 lakh students
was conducted smoothly through a coordinated “whole-of-government” approach
involving state governments, district administrations and multiple agencies.
“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,” he said.
The former minister said the declaration of the NEET-UG
results on July 16 reflected the success of deserving candidates, including
students belonging to economically weaker sections, despite the unprecedented
challenges faced during the examination process.
However, he expressed disappointment that, despite the
government’s corrective measures, “individuals holding responsible positions
attempted to create obstacles and mislead students,” adding that such
developments had caused him deep personal anguish.
Explaining the rationale behind his resignation, Pradhan said
the protests that had intensified at Jantar Mantar and in several parts of the
country should not be allowed to be exploited by anti-national forces or become
a distraction for students preparing for their future.
“I have always held
unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and deeply respected the
aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India’s
future; they are the torchbearers, builders and architects of a new and
developed India. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” he wrote.
“Considering the
situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—to prevent anti-national
forces from exploiting it, preserve national unity, ensure that not a single
Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allow our
children to focus on their studies and careers—I have submitted my resignation
to the Honourable Prime Minister,” he added.
Pradhan also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra
Modi for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Education
Ministry and thanked his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials and staff for
their cooperation during his tenure.
Affirming that public service remains his foremost
commitment, he concluded by saying, “Service to the nation is the highest
priority of my life, and I shall remain forever dedicated to it,” while
assuring that he would continue working for the aspirations of the people of
Odisha and the youth of the country.
The resignation marks a major political
development for the Modi government as it seeks to contain the fallout from the
NEET controversy while reinforcing its commitment to accountability and reforms
in the country’s examination system.
