Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday resigned from the Union Council of Ministers amid paper leak controversy, saying his decision was aimed at protecting students’ interests and preventing the country’s youth from becoming “trapped in a web of confusion.”
In his resignation letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to education and said he was stepping down in the larger interest of students and the nation.
“For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” he said.
Recalling the events surrounding the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, Pradhan said the Centre acted swiftly after irregularities came to light by handing over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelling the examination and announcing a fresh date for the re-examination. He also noted that the government had decided to conduct NEET-UG in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year to strengthen the examination process.
Pradhan said the government’s primary focus during the crisis was to ensure that the re-examination for more than 20 lakh students was conducted smoothly through a “whole-of-government” approach involving state governments and district administrations.
“From day one, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the exam mafia and to ensure that no student faced injustice,” he said.
The former minister said the NEET-UG results declared on July 16 reflected the success of many deserving candidates, including students from economically weaker sections.
However, he expressed disappointment that, despite the government’s efforts, “individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students,” saying such actions had caused him deep distress.
Explaining the reasons behind his resignation, Pradhan said the protests that had intensified at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country should not be allowed to be exploited by anti-national forces or divert students from their academic pursuits.
“I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and deeply respected the aspirations, dreams and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India’s future; they are the torchbearers, builders and architects of a new and developed India. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” he said.
“Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country—to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserve national unity, ensure that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allow our children to focus on their studies and careers—I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister,” he added.
Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve as Education Minister and expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials and staff for their support.
“Service to the nation is the highest priority of my life, and I shall remain forever dedicated to it,” he said, adding that he would continue working for the aspirations of the people of Odisha and the youth of the country.
(With agency inputs)
