NEW DELHI, July 25: In a major political development linked to the NEET-UG 2026 examination controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his post on Saturday, accepting moral responsibility for the crisis that sparked nationwide protests and widespread concern among students.
Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and simultaneously issued a public letter addressed to the country’s youth, describing the decision as one taken in the larger interest of students and the education system.
In the letter, he stated that he had accepted responsibility for the developments surrounding the examination from the outset and believed that public accountability was essential in preserving trust in the country’s education framework.
Referring to the government’s response after allegations of irregularities surfaced, Pradhan highlighted measures such as the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancellation of the disputed examination, conduct of a fresh test, and the initiation of structural reforms aimed at strengthening examination security. He also noted that efforts were underway to introduce technology-driven safeguards, including a transition towards Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for future examinations.
The former minister emphasised that the primary objective throughout the crisis had been to protect the interests of genuine aspirants while ensuring that those responsible for malpractice were brought to justice. He added that no deserving student’s future should be compromised because of organised examination fraud or administrative lapses.
Explaining his decision to resign, Pradhan said he did not wish the ongoing controversy to continue overshadowing students’ academic aspirations or become a source of prolonged uncertainty. He expressed hope that the move would help restore confidence in the examination process and allow students to focus on their education and future careers.
The resignation comes after weeks of demonstrations, demands for accountability, and intense public debate over the handling of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, making it one of the most significant political developments associated with the issue. The Centre is expected to announce further steps regarding the leadership of the Ministry of Education in the coming days.
