Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday, citing the prolonged controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination and the need to safeguard the interests of students. His resignation comes after weeks of nationwide protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination.

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— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026

In a detailed resignation letter shared on social media platform X, Pradhan said he had taken full responsibility for the developments from the very beginning and described the decision to step down as one made in the larger interest of the country’s youth.

Here’s what he wrote in his resignation letter,

My young friends,

For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation.

I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Realizing the dreams of India’s young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives.

I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership. However, irregularities came to light regarding the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026.

Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Government of India handed the investigation over to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a date for a re-examination. Additionally, a decision was made to conduct this exam in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode starting next year.

Throughout this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. We worked adopting a ‘whole-of-government’ approach; state governments—and district administrations in particular—played a crucial role alongside the central government.

With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026. From day one, I took full responsibility and never turned away from the situation. I was resolved that no meritorious student’s potential would be ruined by the ‘exam mafia,’ and that no student would face injustice.

The NEET-UG results declared on July 16 were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds achieving success. However, even during this time, individuals in responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students, which caused me deep distress.

I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India’s future; they are the torchbearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India.

I am pained by the events of the past ten days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me. India’s youth power is the true strength of this nation. It is my resolve not to let the country’s youth get trapped in a web of confusion.

Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—with the aim of preventing anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers—I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the respected Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and constant support. I also extend my thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry, and all those individuals with whom I had the privilege of working.

Serving the nation is the highest priority of my life; I will always remain dedicated to this cause. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well.

Yours, Dharmendra Pradhan.

Government Actions on NEET Highlighted

Pradhan outlined the measures taken by the Centre following allegations of irregularities in the May 3 NEET-UG examination. According to his letter, the government immediately handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelled the examination, and announced a fresh test, which was conducted on June 21.

He also noted that the government has decided to shift the examination to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format from next year in an effort to improve transparency and strengthen the examination process.

The former minister stated that the successful conduct of the re-examination for more than 20 lakh candidates was made possible through coordinated efforts involving the Centre, state governments, district administrations, students, and parents.

Youth’s Future Must Remain the Priority

In his resignation letter, Pradhan said India’s youth remain the country’s greatest strength and that no deserving student should suffer because of the actions of the “exam mafia.” He added that he had always considered protecting students’ futures a moral responsibility and maintained that the NEET-UG results announced on July 16 reflected the hard work of meritorious candidates, including many from economically weaker backgrounds.

However, he also expressed disappointment over what he described as attempts by certain individuals to mislead students and create further confusion during the controversy.

Reason Behind the Resignation

Pradhan said his resignation was aimed at preventing the ongoing protests from escalating further and ensuring that students could focus on their education without becoming entangled in prolonged legal and political disputes.

He also said the decision was intended to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation and to preserve national unity during a period of heightened public unrest.

Thanks PM Modi, Vows to Continue Public Service

Concluding his letter, Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his trust, guidance, and support during his tenure. He also expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues, officials of the Education Ministry, and everyone he worked with over the years.

Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Pradhan said he would continue working for the people of Odisha and the youth of India with the blessings of Lord Jagannath. His resignation fulfills one of the key demands raised by protesters seeking accountability over the NEET-UG controversy.