NEW DELHI: India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced his resignation after weeks of nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, including claims of paper leaks and concerns about the credibility of the testing system.
Pradhan confirmed his decision in a post on the social media platform X, stating that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His announcement follows sustained demonstrations by students and youth groups demanding accountability over the handling of the medical entrance examination.
The protests were centered on allegations that the NEET-UG examination process had been compromised, prompting large gatherings in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and several other cities. Demonstrators called for reforms in the examination system and demanded the education minister’s resignation. Some protests reportedly led to clashes between police and demonstrators, with authorities using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. Several public figures also attended demonstrations to express support for students.
In his statement, Pradhan said he had dedicated more than four decades to students, teachers and educational reforms. He maintained that a strong and inclusive education system remains essential for national development and accepted responsibility for the controversy surrounding the examination.
The former minister said the government acted promptly after allegations emerged regarding the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, 2026. According to his statement, the matter was referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the examination was cancelled, a fresh test was scheduled, and authorities decided that future NEET-UG examinations would be conducted through a computer-based testing system.
Pradhan also said the results announced on July 16 reflected the success of many deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as attempts by certain individuals to mislead students during the controversy.
