BREAKING NEWS: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid NEET-UG 2026 Controversy
Says Youth’s Future Must Remain Above Politics; Submits Resignation to Prime Minister
New Delhi | The Voice of Chandigarh | July 25, 2026
In a significant political development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from the Union Council of Ministers, taking moral responsibility in the aftermath of the NEET-UG 2026 examination controversy.
In his resignation statement, Pradhan reflected on more than four decades of public service dedicated to students, teachers, and educational reforms, reiterating his belief that a strong and inclusive education system is the foundation of a developed India. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation and acknowledged the trust placed in him during his tenure.
Addressing the NEET-UG examination crisis, Pradhan said that after irregularities were detected in the examination conducted on May 3, 2026, the Government of India acted swiftly by ordering a CBI investigation, cancelling the examination, and scheduling a fresh test. He noted that the government also decided to shift future NEET-UG examinations to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode beginning next year to strengthen transparency and security.
Pradhan stated that the government’s highest priority during the crisis was to ensure that more than two million students could take the re-examination without disruption. He credited the coordinated efforts of the Central Government, State Governments, district administrations, parents, and students for the successful conduct of the rescheduled examination on June 21, 2026.
He emphasized that he accepted responsibility from the very beginning and remained committed to protecting deserving students from the influence of examination mafias while ensuring that no candidate suffered injustice. Referring to the declaration of NEET-UG results on July 16, he said the outcome reflected the hard work of students, including many from economically weaker sections who secured outstanding results.
Expressing concern over recent developments, Pradhan alleged that certain individuals attempted to create confusion among students during the process. He stated that the events of the past several days had caused him deep anguish and clarified that the issue was never about personal prestige but about safeguarding the interests and aspirations of India’s youth.
He further said that his resignation was intended to ensure that students’ futures are not overshadowed by prolonged political or legal disputes. He stressed the need to prevent anti-national elements from exploiting the prevailing situation and urged students to remain focused on their education and careers.
Concluding his statement, Pradhan thanked the Prime Minister, his Cabinet colleagues, officials of the Ministry of Education, and everyone who supported him throughout his tenure. He reaffirmed that serving the nation would remain his highest commitment and pledged to continue working for the aspirations of India’s youth, the people of Odisha, and the nation with the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
The resignation marks a major development in the ongoing NEET-UG 2026 episode and is expected to have significant political and educational implications across the country.
