New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down from the Union Cabinet, bringing an end to weeks of mounting political pressure following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and the nationwide student protests that followed.
In a two-page open letter addressed to the country’s youth, Pradhan confirmed his resignation and reflected on his tenure, saying that protecting students’ future had always remained his foremost responsibility. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve in the education portfolio and said he accepted full responsibility during the crisis without attempting to distance himself from the situation.
The former minister reiterated that the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3, 2026, were acted upon immediately. According to him, the Centre transferred the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, conducted a fresh test, and also decided that from next year the examination would be held in a computer-based format to strengthen transparency and reduce the possibility of malpractice.
Pradhan stated that the government’s primary objective during the crisis was to ensure that more than 20 lakh students could appear for the re-examination without disruption. He credited the coordinated efforts of the Central government, state administrations, district authorities, parents and students for successfully conducting the examination again on June 21.
Referring to the declaration of the revised NEET-UG results on July 16, Pradhan said the outcome had restored confidence and ensured that deserving students, including many from economically weaker backgrounds, received fair opportunities. However, he also acknowledged that attempts were made during the process to mislead students and obstruct corrective measures, describing those developments as deeply distressing.
In his letter, Pradhan stressed that India’s youth represent the country’s greatest strength and vowed that talented students should never become victims of organised examination rackets. He also appealed for peace amid the ongoing protests, urging students to focus on their education rather than prolonged confrontations.
The outgoing minister warned that anti-national elements should not be allowed to exploit the current atmosphere of unrest. He revealed that he had submitted a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging measures to ensure that students are not trapped in prolonged legal disputes and can continue pursuing their academic goals without uncertainty.
Concluding his message, Pradhan thanked the Prime Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials and everyone he had worked with during his tenure. He pledged to continue serving the nation and contributing to the aspirations of young Indians in whatever capacity possible, describing public service as his lifelong commitment.
