New Delhi, 25 July 2026 — Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid weeks of nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The development was reported by multiple national and international outlets on Saturday. According to those reports, the Prime Minister had not yet accepted the resignation at the time of writing.
What Pradhan said
In a public letter, Pradhan said he had taken "full responsibility" for the situation from the outset, adding that it had been his "firm resolve" that "the potential of any meritorious student" would not be "undermined by exam mafias," nor any injustice permitted to befall a student. He said that certain individuals "in positions of responsibility attempted to mislead many students and create obstacles," which had caused him "immense distress."
Explaining his decision, he wrote that — to ensure that "anti-national forces do not exploit this situation," that "national unity remains intact," that "the future of even a single Indian student does not get entangled in legal complexities," and that "our children can devote their time to studies" — he had tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister. (The quoted words are Pradhan's own, as reproduced in his letter.)
How the protests unfolded
The agitation demanding the minister’s exit reportedly began on 6 June, spearheaded by a satirical online outfit that styles itself the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke, with demonstrations centred at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The protests intensified after Delhi Police lathi-charged student demonstrators on 22 July. The Congress subsequently backed the protesters; Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi described the protesters’ three demands as "non-negotiable," the first being that the Education Minister be removed from office. The government and the minister have framed the resignation as a step to protect students and preserve national unity. Readers should note that characterisations on both sides are contested and are presented here as claims by the respective parties.
The minister and the NEET backdrop
Dharmendra Pradhan, 56, has held the Education portfolio since July 2021, having earlier served in the Union Cabinet as Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. NEET — the single national gateway to undergraduate medical admissions — has been at the centre of recurring controversy over paper leaks and examination integrity in recent years, matters that have drawn litigation before the courts and scrutiny of the National Testing Agency.
What happens next
A resignation of this kind takes legal effect only once it is accepted. Under the constitutional scheme, Union Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President and are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister (Articles 74 and 75 of the Constitution); in practice, a minister tenders the resignation to the Prime Minister, which is then forwarded to and accepted by the President. As of the time of writing, there was no official confirmation that the resignation had been accepted, nor any announcement on the charge of the Education Ministry. This is a developing story and will be updated as official statements are issued.
Compiled by Akinchan Aggarwal
B.A. (Hons.) Gold Medalist, LL.B. (Silver Medalist), LL.M. (Dispute Resolution)
Advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court
This report is compiled from public news sources for general information only and does not constitute legal or political advice. It is a developing story; facts may change as official communications are issued. Quoted remarks are attributed to their speakers, and contested characterisations are presented as the claims of the respective parties. Readers should rely on official government statements for confirmation.
