Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 25, 2026. This decision follows significant nationwide protests and a 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, which were primarily focused on allegations concerning examination irregularities and paper leaks, specifically related to the NEET-UG examinations.

Pradhan’s resignation is seen as a significant response to the unrest that has escalated among students and citizens. His departure was announced with the aim of preventing the ongoing situation from being exploited by parties deemed “anti-national.” This development signals a crucial moment in the current political landscape.

The resignation was welcomed by various activist groups, including the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which had played a prominent role in the protests. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke remarked on the historic nature of this resignation, noting it is the first of its kind under Prime Minister Modi’s administration.

Reactions from Activists and Student Groups

Following the news of Pradhan’s resignation, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was instrumental in the hunger strike alongside CJP and several student organisations, described the event as a significant victory for direct democracy in India. He praised the perseverance of the youth and citizens who organised and participated in the protests.

Wangchuk expressed that holding the government accountable was only the first step, emphasising the need for systemic reforms in India’s education sector. He highlighted the importance of transforming the current educational framework to prevent future issues and ensure better governance.

The CJP, while acknowledging the resignation, stated that it would continue its demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until all of its demands were fully addressed. Among these demands are substantial compensation for families of students who have tragically taken their lives in relation to examination pressures and the pursuit of justice against Delhi Police personnel accused of using excessive force against protesters.

Government’s Response and Future Actions

In his resignation letter, Pradhan underscored his long-held belief in the aspirations of young Indians and reiterated the need for unity in the nation during these turbulent times. He stated that the developments in Jantar Mantar had caused him sadness, yet he maintained that the larger interests of students and the nation’s unity must be prioritised.

As part of the government’s response to the NEET-UG controversy, Pradhan indicated that the irregularities discovered during the examination conducted on May 3, 2026, warranted immediate and decisive action. This included transferring investigations to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelling the original exam, and successfully conducting a re-examination for over two million candidates on June 21, 2026.

The Centre is also working on implementing a robust anti-paper leak law, which will include provisions for establishing Special Fast-Track Courts and a Special Task Force aimed at curtailing examination malpractices across the country. Pradhan assured the public that from the following year, the NEET-UG examination would be held in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format to enhance transparency.

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