The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been welcomed by Tamil Nadu Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar, who views it as a victory for students. However, Kumar expressed that the resignation alone does not address the pressing issues associated with the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). He reiterated the state’s longstanding demand for the examination to be abolished, emphasising that this change would provide a genuine solution for students.

Kumar, while speaking to reporters, stated that although the resignation is a significant step, it is not the end of the struggle. He insisted that educational authority should reside at the state level rather than the central government. “We do not need NEET. Education should be a state matter; all rights should be transferred to the states,” he emphasised. This focus on state jurisdiction aligns with their ongoing protests against NEET.

Protests Erupt Following Resignation Announcement

In Chennai, celebrations erupted among protesters following the announcement of Pradhan’s resignation. The protests, prominent in Tamil Nadu, have been driven by a unified demand to eliminate NEET, which many constituents perceive as an unfair examination system. The recent developments have reignited discussions on the educational policies of the central government and the need for reforms that reflect the concerns of the students.

Pradhan announced his resignation with the intention of prioritising the interests of the students, stating he did not want them to feel “trapped in a web of confusion.” He highlighted his long history in the education sector and expressed his commitment to reform and improved educational experiences for students nationwide. His resignation was portrayed as a crucial step towards aligning policy with student needs.

Comments from various quarters indicate that this resignation is seen as a culmination of ongoing tensions surrounding NEET and educational governance in India. The public response suggests a strong desire for systemic change that focuses more on student well-being rather than bureaucratic hurdles.

Actions Taken by Government Regarding NEET Examination

In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan mentioned the government’s proactive measures after irregularities were discovered in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. He reported that the investigation into these irregularities was promptly transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the examination was cancelled, with plans for a re-examination announced.

Pradhan’s comments also indicated changes for the future, as he stated that from the following year, the NEET examination would transition to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format. This shift is intended to address technical and administrative challenges currently faced within the examination system.

The developments coincide with recent dialogues held between spokespersons of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, where both sides discussed the extensive grievances raised by students. The outcome of these discussions could further influence policy changes aimed at addressing the issues surrounding NEET.

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