Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down, bringing one of the most significant political developments in the NEET-UG controversy to an end. In a two-page resignation letter addressed to "my young friends," Pradhan defended the Centre's handling of the examination crisis, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support, and said his decision was driven by the need to ensure that students' futures were not caught in prolonged political and legal disputes.
His resignation follows weeks of protests, political pressure, and growing demands for accountability after the cancellation and re-conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Here is the full text of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation letter:
My young friends,
For more than four decades, I have devoted myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reforms. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking education system is the foundation of a strong nation.
I hold the aspirations, sentiments, and genuine expectations of the country's youth in the highest regard. Helping India's young generation realise its dreams has always been a moral commitment in both my public and political life.
I sincerely thank the Honorable Prime Minister for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership. However, irregularities came to light in the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3, 2026.
The Government of India acted immediately by handing over the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the examination, announcing a fresh test, and deciding that the exam would be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from next year onwards.
Throughout this period, our foremost priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for more than 20 lakh students. We adopted a whole-of-government approach, with state governments and district administrations playing an important role alongside the Centre.
With the support of students and parents, the re-examination was successfully conducted on June 21, 2026. From the very beginning, I accepted responsibility for the situation and never distanced myself from it. I remained committed to ensuring that no deserving student's future was destroyed by the examination mafia and that no student suffered injustice.
The NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory, with many talented students from economically weaker backgrounds performing well. However, even during this period, certain individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create confusion and mislead students, which deeply pained me.
I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of India's democracy and deeply respect the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of our youth. They are not merely the future of the nation but also its torchbearers, builders, and architects of a developed India.
The events of the past ten days have caused me immense pain. This is not an issue of personal prestige. India's youth are the country's greatest strength, and I am determined not to let them become trapped in uncertainty and confusion.
Keeping in mind the developments at Jantar Mantar and across the country, and with the objective of preventing anti-national forces from taking advantage of the situation, preserving national unity, ensuring that not even one student's future is entangled in legal complications, and allowing our children to concentrate on their education and careers, I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the respected Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and unwavering support. I also thank my colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officers and staff of the Ministry, and everyone with whom I had the privilege of working.
Serving the nation has always been the highest priority of my life, and I will continue to remain dedicated to this mission. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to work in every possible way for the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country.
