Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as the Union Education Minister on Saturday, July 25, amid mounting students’ protests following the National Eligibility-cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 paper leak controversy.
In his resignation letter posted on ‘X’, Pradhan wrote: “My young friends, for more than four decades, I have remained dedicated to students, teachers and education reforms. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation.”
He asserted that fulfilling dreams of India’s young generation had been a moral commitment of the government. “I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions and legitimate expectations of the youth of the country. Turning the dreams of India’s young generation into reality has been a moral commitment of all of us in political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.”
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026
Addressing the irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Pradhan said the Centre had “immediately” taken cognisance of the matter and that the investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Listing measures taken by the Centre, he said the government had decided that the NEET-UG would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year.
“However, irregularities came to light in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Government of India immediately took cognisance of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination and announced a date for the re-examination. It was also decided that from next year, the examination would be conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode”, he wrote.
‘I Took Responsibility’
Dharmendra Pradhan said he had never shied away from taking responsibility following the paper leak controversy.
“During this period, our foremost priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for more than 20 lakh students. A ‘whole of government approach’ was adopted for this purpose. Along with the central government, state governments, especially district administrations, played an important role. With the cooperation of students, parents and guardians, the examination was successfully completed on June 24, 2026”, he wrote.
“From the very first day, I took responsibility for the situation and never shied away from it. My resolve was that no deserving student should suffer because of examination mafias and no student should face injustice”, the letter read.
Taking a veiled dig at the opposition, Pradhan said some people holding “responsible positions” tried to mislead students.
“The NEET-UG results announced on July 6 were satisfactory, with many talented students from economically weaker backgrounds also achieving success. However, during this period, some people holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles by misleading several students, which deeply saddened me”, he said.
On Jantar Mantar Protests
Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the strength of democracy, saying he had “deeply respected” the spirations and dreams of the youth. “I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth. They are not only the future of India but also the carriers, creators and architects of a new and developed India.”
Addressing widespread protests at Jantar Mantar, he said: “The developments of the last 10 days have saddened me. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me. India’s youth power is the true strength of this country.”
In the wake of the situation arising at Jantar Mantar, Pradhan revealed that he had tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It is my resolve that the youth of the nation should not be trapped in a web of confusion.”
“Considering the situation that has emerged at Jantar Mantar and across the country, and keeping in mind that anti-national forces should not take advantage of it, that the unity of the country remains intact, that the future of even a single Indian student is not entangled in legal complications, and that our children focus their time on studies and building their careers, I have sent my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister”, the letter read.
Expressing his gratitude toward Prime Minister Modi, he said: “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for his guidance, trust and continuous support. I also thank all my respected colleagues in the Council of Ministers, officials and employees of the ministry, and all those with whom I had the privilege of working. Serving the nation is the highest priority of my life, and I will remain dedicated to it forever.”
Pradhan asserted his commitment to fulfilling aspirations of the country’s citizen.
“With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way towards fulfilling the aspirations of Bharat Mata, the people of Odisha and the youth of the country in the future as well”, he said.
