Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns from his post on July 25, following weeks of student-led protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Multiple outlets report that the resignations come after the “Cockroach Janta Party” mobilizes demonstrations across the country demanding ministerial accountability and Pradhan’s ouster. The protests escalate after allegations circulate that a leaked PDF is compared with the actual examination paper, and they continue even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces examination reforms.
Several reports state that Pradhan submits his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his written statement shared on social media, he says his decision aims to protect students’ future, prevent the agitation from being used by “anti-national forces,” and avoid the country’s unity and the examination process being pulled into prolonged legal complications.
The government takes cognizance of irregularities, and the matter is handed to the CBI for investigation, while reports also note the NEET exam is cancelled. After Pradhan’s resignation, Prahlad Joshi takes charge as Education Minister.
