Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Intense Student Protests Over Exam Irregularities

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday, following weeks of intense student protests across India, particularly in Delhi, demanding his removal over alleged irregularities in national examinations, most notably the NEET-UG paper leak. Pradhan announced his decision via X (formerly Twitter), stating his resignation was motivated by student welfare and the need to preserve national unity.

In his detailed statement, Pradhan emphasized safeguarding students’ futures and preventing what he termed “anti-national elements” from exploiting the situation at protest sites. He expressed a desire for students to focus on their studies, free from legal entanglements, and to maintain national cohesion. Reflecting on recent developments, he conveyed profound sadness, clarifying his resignation wasn’t about personal prestige but his commitment to prevent youth from falling into “a web of confusion.” He underscored youth power as the nation’s strength, highlighting his four-decade dedication to education reform and acknowledging the moral imperative to fulfill youth aspirations. He concluded by thanking the Prime Minister, colleagues, and ministry staff, reaffirming his lifelong dedication to national service.

This significant development occurred a day after representatives from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke and spearheading the student agitation, met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Following the meeting, the CJP indicated the government requested a day to deliberate on Mr. Pradhan’s resignation.

Addressing the core issue, Pradhan acknowledged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. He outlined the immediate governmental response: initiating a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, exam cancellation, and scheduling a re-examination. The government also decided to transition NEET-UG to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format from the following year. Pradhan asserted he took full responsibility from the outset, vowing not to let “exam mafia” undermine meritorious students’ futures. He noted the NEET-UG results, declared on July 16, were satisfactory, benefiting underprivileged students, but expressed distress over attempts by “people in responsible positions” to mislead students.

The Cockroach Janta Party swiftly welcomed the resignation, with leader Abhijeet Dipke proclaiming, “Chhatra Shakti Zindabad (Long live Student Power)!” Dipke later framed Pradhan’s resignation as tangible proof of student resilience and their ability to pressure the government. The CJP shared a video on Instagram depicting jubilant celebrations among protesters at Jantar Mantar.

The CJP’s protest campaign in Delhi began last month, gaining momentum with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Although Wangchuk concluded his fast, the CJP maintained its demand for Pradhan’s resignation, declaring “nothing lesser” acceptable. Their three core demands included the Minister’s resignation, compensation for families of students who died by suicide, and assurance against legal action for protesters. After their second meeting with government officials on Friday, the CJP indicated two demands were “in-principle” approved, with the resignation decision pending.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, held on May 3, was cancelled by the government on May 12 due to a confirmed paper leak. This decision sparked widespread public outrage, intensifying after reports of several aspirants dying by suicide. The re-examination was conducted on June 21, with results declared earlier this month.