NEW DELHI: Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after weeks of nationwide protests demanding accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, marking a major political setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The resignation came just hours before the scheduled third round of talks between government representatives and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the student-led movement that has spearheaded demonstrations calling for education reforms and the minister’s removal.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Pradhan confirmed that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the decision was made in the interest of students and the nation.
“I have remained committed to students, teachers and education reform throughout my public life. A strong education system is the foundation of a strong nation,” Pradhan wrote.
He added that the ongoing unrest at Jantar Mantar and across India had prompted him to step aside to prevent the situation from being exploited by elements seeking to create instability.
The resignation fulfills the central demand of thousands of students and CJP supporters who have been staging protests in New Delhi for more than a month.
Reacting to the announcement, the Cockroach Janta Party declared the move a victory for student activism.
“The Education Minister has resigned. This is a victory for student power,” the group said in a statement.
A day earlier, CJP representatives had met senior Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, after which the government requested additional time to decide on Pradhan’s future.
The controversy began after the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance examination was held on May 3. Authorities later cancelled the exam on May 12, citing a confirmed paper leak.
The cancellation triggered widespread protests, with students accusing authorities of failing to safeguard one of India’s most important competitive examinations. Public anger intensified following reports that several affected aspirants died by suicide.
A fresh examination was conducted on June 21, and revised results were announced earlier this month.
On July 20, thousands of students and CJP supporters attempted to march toward Parliament, demanding Pradhan’s resignation, compensation for families affected by the controversy and sweeping reforms to India’s examination system.
The movement gained further momentum after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk launched a hunger strike in support of students. Although Wangchuk later ended his fast, protest organisers insisted they would not end their demonstrations until the education minister stepped down.
Pradhan’s resignation is expected to ease immediate political tensions, but student organisations continue to demand comprehensive reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and security in India’s national examination system.
