Dharmendra Pradhan steps down over NEET row: How intellectuals and different political leaders react

Published 25 July 2026 · education

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday over the NEET paper leak row, saying it is not a matter of "individual prestige"

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post on Saturday over the NEET paper leak row, saying it is not a matter of "individual prestige" for him. Pradhan said he is disturbed by the series of events that have unfolded over the last 10 days and has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I took responsibility for the NEET paper leak from day one," he said. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign as Education Minister? ⌵ Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over the NEET paper leak controversy, stating it was not a matter of 'individual prestige' and aiming to ensure students' futures remained unaffected by legal issues. 2 What events led to the protests that demanded Pradhan's resignation? ⌵ The protests stemmed from widespread accusations of irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and the associated distress, including student suicides, which galvanized public outcry for accountability. 3 How did Pradhan respond to the protests regarding the NEET paper leak? ⌵ Pradhan took responsibility from the onset, expressing that he would not allow the future of any meritorious student to be jeopardized by the exam controversies. 4 What are the implications of Pradhan's resignation for the future of education reform in India? ⌵ Pradhan's resignation is viewed as a potential catalyst for necessary reforms in the education system, particularly concerning transparency and accountability in public examinations.

5 Should students expect immediate changes in the examination system following Pradhan's resignation? ⌵ While Pradhan's resignation marks a significant step, broader reforms in the examination system are still needed, and students should monitor upcoming government actions for any substantial adjustments. He also said that anti-national forces should not be allowed to take advantage of the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country. Pradhan's resignation comes amid Cockroach Janta Party-led protests at Jantar Mantar, demanding his accountability for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE's on-screen marking process, as well as seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations. Here's how different political leaders are reacting to the news: Abhijeet Dipke, Founding President of Cockroach Janta Party, says, "There's no need to be afraid. This is democracy. He has resigned, but we have two more demands. We won't go like this. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned." “But the families of the children who committed suicide should receive compensation of one crore rupees. They should get it. One crore rupees compensation to all those families. And second, these police goons who acted on the 20th. Action must be taken against the police officers for that. Remember, do not mess with cockroaches...” Kunal Ghosh, TMC MLA, says, "He should have done it earlier... BJP was trying to protect him.