In a major political development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday over the NEET paper leak row, stating he was deeply pained by the events of the past 10 days and aimed to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the unrest caused by recent examination irregularities.
Submitting his formal resignation letter, Pradhan reaffirmed his commitment to the youth and the country’s education system while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, framing his exit as a step to uphold accountability, safeguard student interests, and preserve national unity.
The high-profile resignation comes in the wake of escalating nationwide student protests demanding strict action over paper leaks and exam irregularities, and Education Minister Pradhan’s resignation citing accountability.
In his resignation letter, Pradhan wrote, “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.”
Reflecting on his tenure, he noted, “I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realising the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.”
Addressing the core issue, Pradhan highlighted that as soon as irregularities in the NEET-UG examination surfaced, the government took swift action by handing over the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the exam, and scheduling a re-examination, while also deciding to shift the exam to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting next year.
“Throughout this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. We worked towards this using a ‘whole-of-government’ approach, in which state governments — and particularly district administrations — played a crucial role alongside the Government of India. With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026,” Pradhan said.
“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 added.
However, he expressed grave concern regarding the aftermath, alleging that during the re-examination results, “individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students,” a development that he said caused him “deep distress.”
“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. I am pained by the events of the past ten days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” he added.
“Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country — to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers — I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister,” Pradhan said.
Concluding his letter, he expressed sincere appreciation for the Prime Minister’s “guidance, trust, and constant support” as well as the cooperation of the Council of Ministers.
“Service to the nation is the highest priority of my life; I shall remain forever dedicated to it. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well,” he added.
