Union Education Minister Resigns Amid Student Protests Over NEET Paper Leak Controversy

: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday resigned from the post and said that he has devoted more than four decades to students, teachers and education reform, and reiterated his belief that a strong and inclusive education system is the foundation of a strong nation. “Reflecting on the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, he said the government acted immediately by ordering a CBI probe, cancelling the exam and scheduling a re-test, while also shifting from next year to CBT mode,” Pradhan added. He added that the priority throughout was to protect the future of more than 20 lakh students, and said the “whole of government approach” helped ensure the exam was conducted smoothly on 21 June with support from students, parents, state governments and district administrations. After talks with the government, CJP's National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, "We held three rounds of discussions with the government delegation. Our protest at Jantar Mantar, which was going on for several days, had three main demands: Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, all legal cases filed against protesters and organizers, those FIRs should be withdrawn, and no future cases should be filed against protesters or organizers." "And our third demand was compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families who lost their loved ones after the NEET paper was not held. Just a while ago, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. This means that our first demand has been accepted," he further said. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had made significant contributions and had brought meaningful reforms to the education system. Earlier in the day, Pradhan resigned from his post following the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests across the country for his ouster over the NEET paper leak controversy. Taking to X, CM Gupta said, "Dharmendra Pradhan Ji has fulfilled every responsibility in his public life with dedication, honesty, and complete devotion. As Union Education Minister, he made a significant contribution to the effective implementation of the National Education Policy-2020." Speaking from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Anita Dipke expressed relief and pride after Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, sharing the anxiety and sleepless nights her family endured watching her son lead student protests. #watch | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra | Anita Dipke, mother of Cockroach Janta Party's Founding President Abhijeet Dipke, says, "I am very happy...I feel very proud...I was scared at times because he was beaten. I kept worrying about what might happen to him... They… https://t.co/1f64Ic1Edl pic.twitter.com/aJqG8l3Kdh Massive celebrations erupted at Jantar Mantar as student demonstrators and CJP activists danced, waved the tricolour, and cheered the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. #watch | Delhi: Visuals from Jantar Mantar, where protesters celebrate after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/WVNhFgjQG9 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated protesting students on Saturday after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid weeks of demonstrations over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. In a video message posted on X, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said Pradhan's resignation marked a significant moment for India's education system and credited students who had sustained the protests. "Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is a huge step towards reshaping our education system. Well done to students across the country; we are proud of all of you. Heartiest congratulations to every young person, every student who took to the streets and stood firm to protect democracy, the Constitution, and their future," Gandhi said. Gandhi further said that two demands from the protest movement remained unmet: an apology from the Prime Minister and action against those responsible for violence against students during the demonstrations. "2 demands still remain — the Prime Minister should apologize while respecting the students and India's future, and action should be taken against those guilty of violence against students," he said. Gandhi extended his remarks beyond the student movement, calling on farmers, laborers and other groups he described as facing government suppression to pursue constitutional forms of protest to assert their dignity. He ended the message with a call for political change: "The time has come to remove this government. Don't be afraid!" Calling Gen Z the true "Vishwaguru", Gitanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, praised young Indians in a post on X for demonstrating the values of Sanatan Dharma through their actions. "If anyone has shown what it means for India to be a Vishwaguru, it is our Gen Z. They have lived Sanatan Dharma, not preached it. Courage without hate. Strength without violence. Patriotism without blind obedience," she wrote. Angmo added that, unlike many of their counterparts across the world, Indian youth had shown it was possible to stand firmly against injustice without resorting to violence or damaging their own country. In an apparent swipe at the BJP, she said, "Maybe it's time the Hindu nationalist party learnt a thing or two from these young Indians about Hinduism, nationalism, and what it truly means to be a Vishwaguru." On the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP national president Nitin Nabin took to X and said, "The party stands firmly with Dharmendra Pradhan Ji in this decision. I extend my best wishes for his future endeavors." As Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji played a pivotal role in reforming India's education landscape and successfully implementing the landmark National Education Policy (NEP 2020), among other initiatives. Prioritising larger interests, his decision to step… https://t.co/fJB5EnCBLk The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on Saturday resumed entry at key hub stations in central Delhi following temporary closures implemented for security arrangements. Service Update Entry gates for Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat metro stations are now open. Union Minister JP Nadda, along with Jitendra Singh, will hold the third round of talks with the CJP delegation shortly. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra welcomed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, calling it a victory for the student movement. She credited Rahul Gandhi for consistently raising the issue of paper leaks and examination reforms, saying his efforts inspired the Congress, NSUI and Youth Congress to build a nationwide campaign for students' rights. Priyanka said she was "truly happy" that the country's youth had made their voices heard, adding that "nobody will ever dare to silence them." #watch | Wayanad | On the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "...We in the Congress Party have tried our best to support them in the strongest way possible. Rahul Gandhi has been speaking about the issue of paper… pic.twitter.com/FHvfoKE7ii The Congress said that Dharmendra Pradhan opted to resign before Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's 4 PM visit to the CJP protest site at Jantar Mantar. Taking to X, activist Sonam Wangchuk said, "It's a victory of democracy, direct democracy straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & perseverance." IT'S A VICTORY OF DEMOCRACY direct democracy... straight from the streets. It's a victory of peace, patience & persévérance. Congratulations CJP, Gen Z of the nation and thank you all citizens for shedding fear and the fear of fear and rising up from every corner of the nation.… pic.twitter.com/rSLOfvba2R Following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Cockroach Janta Party founding president Abhijeet Dipke urged supporters not to credit him individually, warning that idolizing single leaders has ruined the country. #watch | Delhi: On the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Abhijeet Dipke, Founding President of Cockroach Janta Party, says, "I want to say something very important. Don't make me a hero because Dharmendra Pradhan resigned today. Don't make this mistake.… pic.twitter.com/ypODEXXUTS CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and others celebrate at the protest site at Jantar Mantar after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post. #watch | Delhi: Abhijeet Dipke, Founding President of Cockroach Janta Party, and others celebrate at the protest site at Jantar Mantar after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post. pic.twitter.com/QboYGADsnU While welcoming the Union Minister's resignation, CTR Nirmal Kumar emphasized that the core demand remains ending NEET and returning education policy powers to state governments. #watch | Madurai, Tamil Nadu: On the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Tamil Nadu Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar says, "This resignation alone is not the solution. Definitely, it is the result of the peaceful protest by the students... But this resignation… pic.twitter.com/zT2qIxW6dT Following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation letter to PM Modi, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke hailed the decision as a victory for fearless democratic protest. VIDEO | Delhi: As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, saying he has sent his resignation to PM Modi, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says, “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned. This is the proof that if you don’t get scared, if you don’t bow down in front of this… pic.twitter.com/ztgGjB21uu Dharmendra Pradhan said he sent his resignation to the Prime Minister to ensure that anti-national forces do not exploit the situation at Jantar Mantar or elsewhere in the country. He added that his decision was guided by the need to preserve national unity, protect students from legal complications and allow them to focus on their studies and careers. On the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema says, "Ever since the BJP came to power in the country, exam papers started being sold. They were leaked, and lakhs of children across the country took to the streets to protest against it... The downfall of the BJP has begun. From today, these same children who were protesting will give a befitting reply to the BJP whenever any state or national election comes." Dharmendra Pradhan said he has devoted more than four decades to students, teachers and education reform, and reiterated his belief that a strong and inclusive education system is the foundation of a strong nation. Reflecting on the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, he said the government acted immediately by ordering a CBI probe, cancelling the exam and scheduling a re-test, while also shifting from next year to CBT mode. He added that the priority throughout was to protect the future of more than 20 lakh students, and said the “whole of government approach” helped ensure the exam was conducted smoothly on 21 June with support from students, parents, state governments and district administrations. Pradhan said he personally took responsibility from the first day and remained determined that no meritorious student should suffer because of the “exam mafia” or any injustice. While acknowledging that the results declared on 16 July were satisfactory, he said he was deeply hurt that some responsible persons tried to create obstacles and mislead students. Calling the matter one of national concern rather than personal prestige, he said youth power is India’s true strength and that he has sent his resignation to the Prime Minister to ensure students are not trapped in confusion or legal complications. He thanked the Prime Minister, colleagues, officials and staff, and said he will remain committed to serving the nation, Odisha and India’s youth in the future. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, says he has sent his resignation to PM Modi. pic.twitter.com/cRLml7WAl7 pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ The United Nations called for the protection of people participating in the ongoing student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, stressing that those taking part in peaceful demonstrations should be able to exercise their rights without fear of harassment, arrest or physical harm. The UN underscored the importance of safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly during the continuing agitation. The global body also urged security forces to ensure that protesters' rights are respected and protected while maintaining law and order. Its remarks come amid heightened security measures and growing scrutiny over the handling of the student-led movement demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and reforms to the competitive examination system. Delhi Police on Saturday said it has identified more than 400 Pakistan-linked social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading misinformation related to the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar. DCP Rohit Rajbir Singh said the investigation found that these accounts were circulating AI-generated content, deepfake videos, edited images and other misleading material. He also referred to a video shared by a politician claiming that the Centre was preparing a crackdown on protesters, saying the post created fear and confusion among the public. Police clarified that no such operation was being planned and urged people not to rely on unverified claims. The DCP added that Delhi Police, in coordination with other agencies, has been working to trace and block accounts involved in spreading false information. Among the misleading posts identified was a claim that a woman had died due to police action during the July 20 protest. Singh said the claim was false and reiterated that no deaths were reported during the protest, urging the public to verify information before sharing it online. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Saurav Das has accused the Delhi Police of unlawfully detaining, intimidating and preventing people from reaching the protest site at Jantar Mantar. In a post on X, Das urged the police to immediately stop such actions, alleging that citizens were being obstructed from exercising their democratic right to participate in the protest. He further called on the Delhi Police to refrain from creating what he described as an "atmosphere of fear and siege" around Jantar Mantar. The post urged the authorities to ensure that protesters and members of the public are allowed to reach the site without intimidation or unnecessary restrictions. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday appealed to the Centre to ensure that food is allowed to reach students protesting at Jantar Mantar, urging the government to adopt a more humane approach. In a post on X, Sibal asked the authorities not to prevent eateries from supplying food, shut down internet services or harass people travelling to the protest site, saying such measures would only worsen the situation. Sibal cautioned that restrictive actions could further intensify the protests rather than resolve them. Stressing that political power is temporary, he urged the government to respond with compassion and restraint instead of imposing measures that could deepen public anger over the ongoing agitation. DCP Central Rohit Rajbir Singh says, "In line with the Government of India's commitment to combat paper leaks and irregularities in various competitive exams, the Delhi Police has formed a Special Task Force within the Crime Branch. This team will be led by a DCP-level officer and supervised by the Special CP, Crime." DMK MP Kanimozhi on Saturday reiterated her party's long-standing demand for the abolition of NEET, arguing that recent developments had reinforced Tamil Nadu's opposition to the examination. She said the state's position has always been that NEET should be scrapped, claiming the exam has failed to promote equitable access to education. While acknowledging that protesters across the country are seeking accountability and fair examinations, Kanimozhi said Tamil Nadu's demand goes further by calling for the complete abolition of NEET alongside action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak. Kanimozhi also criticised the Tamil Nadu government for what she described as its failure to support protesting students, saying the demand to ban NEET has long resonated across the state. She alleged that students had faced threats and attacks in some places and questioned why the state government was not standing with them. Drawing a comparison with the situation in Delhi, she said she saw little difference in the response to student protests and urged students to question the government's approach. CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar said, "Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation from the Union Cabinet is the only solution. This is the demand of the entire nation. Not only that of CJP or any other political outfit, this has become the common demand of all fighting Indians. Some of them are on the streets, some of them are sitting at home, but all are united in demanding his resignation. The Government of India, especially the Prime Minister, should understand the mood of the nation." Liquor shops across Delhi will operate with reduced timings over the weekend, closing at 8 PM instead of the usual 10 PM, as the Delhi government has imposed precautionary restrictions in view of the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar. According to Delhi government officials, the decision has been taken based on inputs from Delhi Police, which flagged the need for additional preventive measures to maintain law and order in the central Delhi area. Officials said the temporary change in operating hours is aimed at preventing any untoward incidents during the protest period.