New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amid mounting pressure over the alleged NEET paper leak and exam irregularities.

Pradhan announced his decision in a post on X, stating he has submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The resignation comes in the backdrop of ongoing student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protesters have been demanding accountability and calling for the Education Minister’s resignation over the controversy.

Similar demonstrations have been reported from several parts of the country over the past few days, reflecting widespread outrage among students regarding the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

What Pradhan's letter states

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— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026

In his letter, Pradhan said, "For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation."

"I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth. Realising the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership," he said.

"Throughout this period, our primary priority was to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for over 20 lakh students. We worked towards this using a 'whole-of-government' approach, in which state governments -- and particularly district administrations -- played a crucial role alongside the Government of India. With the cooperation of students and parents, the examination was successfully concluded on June 21, 2026," Pradhan said.

"From day one, I took responsibility for the situation and never turned away from it. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the 'exam mafia' and to ensure that no student faced injustice," he added.

He said that during the re-examination results, "individuals holding responsible positions attempted to create obstacles and mislead students", an act, he said, caused him "deep distress".

"I have always held unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and deeply respected the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not merely India's future; they are the torchbearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India. I am pained by the events of the past ten days. This is not a matter of personal prestige for me," he added.

"Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country -- to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student's future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers -- I have submitted my resignation to the Honourable Prime Minister," Pradhan said.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for his "guidance, trust, and constant support" and to the Council of Ministers. 

"Service to the nation is the highest priority of my life; I shall remain forever dedicated to it. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well," he added.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik hailed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation from the post of the Union Education Minister.

In a post on X, Patnaik stated, “Congratulate the young people of India, especially the Gen Z for this victory. Accountability and sensitivity to public opinion are integral values of a strong democracy. Nobody is above the will of the people. Voices of our people especially of the youth, deserve to be heard. The future of India belongs to the youth. I wish them all the best.”

 (With agency inputs)