Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amidst NEET Exam Controversy

Kathmandu. Following weeks of massive student protests in Delhi against irregularities in the examination, particularly the leak of the NEET-UG question paper, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday.

Pradhan announced his resignation via the social media platform X. He stated that he made this decision keeping in mind the future of the students. 

His letter reads, 'I have submitted my resignation to the Prime Minister so that anti-national elements do not take advantage of the situation arising at Jantar Mantar and across the country, the nation remains united, and students of India can focus on their studies and careers without legal complications.'

36 days of protest after Indian Education Minister's resignation

This development comes a day after spokespersons from the group Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, which has been leading the agitation, met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

After the meeting, CJP stated that the government had asked for a day to decide on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Read Dharmendra Pradhan's letter here (translated from Hindi):

My young friends,
I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for over four decades. It has been my firm belief that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation.
I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth. It is the moral commitment of our entire political and social life to fulfill the dreams of India's younger generation. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation under visionary leadership.
However, irregularities were found in the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3, 2026. Taking immediate cognizance of this, the Government of India handed over the investigation to the CBI, canceled the examination, and announced a re-examination date. In addition, it was also decided to conduct this examination through CBT (Computer Based Test) from next year.
During this period, conducting the examination smoothly for more than 20 lakh students was our main priority. For this, work was done under the concept of the entire government. Along with the state governments, and especially the district administration, played an important role in this. Besides, with the cooperation of students and parents, this examination was completed on June 21, 2026.
From day one, I took responsibility for this and never shied away from the situation. It was my resolve not to let the future of any meritorious student be ruined by exam mafias and not to let any student suffer injustice.
The result of 'NEET-UG' published on July 16 was satisfactory. Many meritorious students from disadvantaged backgrounds have also succeeded in it.
However, in the meantime, individuals in responsible positions tried to create obstacles and confuse many students. This has deeply saddened my heart.
I am a person who always has unwavering faith in the power of our democracy. I have always deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not only the future of India, but they are also the carriers, creators, and architects of a new and developed India.
Looking at the events of the last 10 days, my heart is deeply saddened. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me.
The youth power of India is the real strength of this country.
My resolve is not to let the country's youth power fall into a web of confusion.
Considering all these factors – that anti-national forces do not take advantage of the situation arising at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the unity of the nation remains intact, that not a single student's future in India gets entangled in legal complications, and that our children can focus their time on studies and career building – I have sent my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.
I express my heartfelt gratitude for the guidance, trust, and continuous support of the Honorable Prime Minister. I also express my gratitude to the respected colleagues in the cabinet, the officials and staff of the ministry, and all those with whom I have had the opportunity to work.
Serving the nation is the highest priority of my life. I will always remain dedicated to it.
With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannathji, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way in the future to fulfill the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country.
Sincerely,
Dharmendra Pradhan

CJP Welcomes Resignation, Joy at Jantar Mantar

CJP, which has been demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation for a long time, welcomed the Union Minister's announcement. They said, 'Education Minister has submitted his resignation. Student power zindabad!'

Shortly after Pradhan's announcement, CJP shared a video on Instagram. It showed people celebrating at Jantar Mantar and Dipke talking on the phone while kneeling. CJP had started its protest in Delhi last month.

The protest gained further support from students after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike. Although Wangchuk broke his fast this week, CJP remained firm on its demand for Pradhan's resignation. They made it clear that no agreement other than resignation would be acceptable.