NEW DELHI, July 25, 2026 — Under immense pressure from escalating nationwide protests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has officially resigned from his position. The dramatic exit marks a critical moment in the ongoing crisis surrounding the national examination system and follows weeks of sustained youth-led demonstrations demanding accountability.
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Pradhan shared images of his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the detailed missive, the outgoing minister directly addressed the crisis, outlining his reasons for stepping down while defending the government’s response to the situation.
Taking Responsibility for the NEET-UG
In his letter, Pradhan explicitly accepted responsibility for the irregularities that plagued the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3. He recounted that from the very first day the issues came to light, he took charge of the matter and “never turned away from the situation”.
He highlighted that the government took immediate cognizance of the irregularities, leading to swift action: handing over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelling the compromised exam, and announcing a date for a re-examination. Pradhan also noted the government’s decision to transition future examinations to a secure Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode starting next year.
Highlighting Remedial Efforts and Expressing Concern
While acknowledging the systemic failures that triggered the crisis, Pradhan used his resignation letter to emphasize the successful recovery efforts. He highlighted the successful completion of the re-examination for over 20 lakh (2 million) students by June 21, achieving a “whole-of-government approach” with cooperation from state governments, district administrations, and parents.
He pointed to the new NEET-UG results declared on July 16 as a positive outcome, noting with satisfaction that many meritorious candidates from economically weaker and disadvantaged backgrounds achieved success, preventing the “examination mafia” from ruining their prospects.
However, the tone of the letter shifted as Pradhan addressed the ongoing unrest. He expressed deep sadness over the recent protests, particularly criticizing attempts by certain individuals and groups to mislead the youth.
Preventing Anti-National Elements from Exploiting the Situation
Crucially, Pradhan framed his resignation not as an admission of defeat, but as a strategic move to protect the nation and its students. He stated that his primary goal in stepping down is to prevent “anti-national forces” and elements from exploiting the volatile situation unfolding at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere across the country.
“So that the unity of the country remains intact, so that the future of no student in India gets tangled in legal complexities, and so that our children spend their time studying and focusing on building their careers, I have decided to quit from my position,” Pradhan wrote. He emphasized that his decision was made in the “larger interest of students” to ensure they do not become “trapped in a web of confusion”.
Concluding his statement, Pradhan reaffirmed his lifelong dedication to the youth, teachers, and education reform—a commitment spanning over four decades. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, trust, and guidance, while also extending thanks to his esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers and the officials of the Education Ministry for their support during his tenure.
