New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from the Union Council of Ministers, bringing an end to weeks of intense political pressure over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. The resignation comes after sustained nationwide student protests, opposition demonstrations and growing demands for ministerial accountability.
In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan said he had accepted full responsibility for the situation from the very beginning and never attempted to distance himself from the controversy. He stated that his decision was taken in the interest of students and to ensure that the issue did not continue to overshadow their future or become a tool for disruptive forces.
The resignation marks one of the most significant political developments since the NEET controversy erupted. The protests, led by students and later joined by opposition parties and civil society groups, had demanded Pradhan’s resignation along with sweeping reforms in the country’s examination system. Demonstrations intensified across several cities, particularly after clashes between protesters and police in New Delhi.
Earlier this week, the Centre had maintained that it was prepared to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament while defending the government’s actions against those allegedly involved in the paper leak. However, protesters continued to insist that accountability at the ministerial level was essential before meaningful reforms could begin.
With Pradhan’s resignation, attention is now expected to shift towards the government’s next steps, including the appointment of a new Education Minister and the implementation of promised reforms aimed at restoring confidence in India’s examination system. Student organisations have welcomed the resignation but have indicated that their broader campaign for systemic reforms will continue.
