Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned in the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, saying the interests of students and the nation must come before his position. His move comes after weeks of intense protests, particularly at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and mounting political pressure over alleged irregularities and the cancellation and re-conduct of the medical entrance exam.
In a two-page letter addressed to “my young friends”, Pradhan defends the government’s handling of the crisis while casting his resignation as a step to prevent further confusion, unrest and legal battles for students. He stresses his long association with education and youth issues, and expresses gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve.
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Pradhan recounts the timeline: irregularities in the May 3 NEET-UG exam, the swift decision to hand the probe to the CBI, cancellation of the test and announcement of a re-exam, and the plan to shift NEET-UG to computer-based mode from next year. He underlines what he calls a “whole-of-government” approach, with central and state authorities working together to conduct the re-exam for over 20 lakh students, completed on June 21.
Claiming he “took full responsibility and never turned away from the situation”, Pradhan says his resolve was that no meritorious student’s future should be ruined by an “exam mafia”. He notes that the July 16 results saw many students from underprivileged backgrounds succeed, but alleges that “individuals in responsible positions” tried to mislead students even then, causing him “deep distress”.
The letter repeatedly invokes youth and democracy, describing young people as the “torchbearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India”. Pradhan writes that the events of the past ten days have pained him and insists that this is not a question of personal prestige, but of protecting India’s youth from a “web of confusion”.
Linking his decision directly to the protest atmosphere at Jantar Mantar and across the country, he says he has resigned to prevent “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation, to preserve national unity, and to ensure that not a single student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities. Students, he argues, should be free to focus on studies and careers rather than court cases and political battles.
Pradhan ends by reiterating his commitment to public service and invoking Lord Jagannath, promising to continue working for “Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country” even outside the Education Ministry. His resignation marks a major political turning point in the NEET-UG leak controversy, even as the Supreme Court has decided to closely monitor the Centre’s anti-leak measures in exams going forward.
Full text of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation letter
My young friends,
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.
I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realizing the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives.
I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership. However, irregularities came to light regarding the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Government of India handed the investigation over to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a date for a re-examination. Additionally, a decision was made to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode 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 adopting a ‘whole-of-government’ approach; state governments—and district administrations in particular—played a crucial role alongside the central government.
With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026. From day one, I took full responsibility and never turned away from the situation. I was resolved that no meritorious student’s potential would be ruined by the ‘exam mafia,’ and that no student would face injustice.
The NEET-UG results declared on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds achieving success. However, even during this time, individuals in responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students, which caused me deep distress.
I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have 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. India’s youth power is the true strength of this nation. It is my resolve not to let the country’s youth get trapped in a web of confusion.
Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—with the aim of preventing 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 Honorable Prime Minister.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to the respected Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and constant support. I also extend my thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry, and all those individuals with whom I had the privilege of working.
Serving the nation is the highest priority of my life; I will always remain dedicated to this cause. 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.
Yours, Dharmendra Pradhan.
