Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns As Union Education Minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post and submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The announcement comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and ongoing student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.

Pradhan shared the decision on social media, stating that the interests of students had guided his decision.

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— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026

Pradhan Explains Decision

In his resignation letter, Pradhan said he had devoted more than four decades to students, teachers and educational reforms. He reaffirmed his belief that a strong, inclusive and forward-looking education system remains the foundation of a nation’s progress and development.

Pradhan said the government acted immediately after complaints emerged regarding the NEET-UG examination conducted on 3 May 2026.

According to him, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the examination was cancelled, a fresh test was ordered, and NEET would be conducted entirely in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year.

Dharmendra Pradhan added that ensuring a fair examination for more than two million students was his highest priority.

The Centre, state governments, district administrations, students and parents worked together to successfully conduct the re-examination on 21 June 2026.

Pradhan noted that the results declared on 16 July enabled many students from economically weaker backgrounds to succeed, but alleged attempts by certain individuals to mislead candidates had caused him deep anguish. He said the developments of the past 10 days had convinced him that the issue should not become a political or legal battle that could distract students from their education.

Calling the matter one of national importance rather than personal honour, Pradhan said he chose to resign in the interest of the country’s youth.

Pradhan concluded his letter by thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Cabinet colleagues and officials of the Ministry of Education for their support. He said he would continue serving the nation, the people of Odisha and India’s youth with dedication in public life.

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