Dharmendra Pradhan He resigned as federal education minister on Saturday, weeks after the Cockroach Jantar Party (CJP)-led protests over the National Eligibility and Undergraduate Entrance Test (NEET-UG) controversy. Pradhan, in a letter to the country’s youth published on
Pradhan’s take on NEET-UG controversy
Pradhan wrote that the government took swift action as soon as irregularities emerged in the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. “The Indian government immediately took notice of the matter, handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, canceled the review and announced a new date for re-examination,” he wrote. He added that the exam will shift to computer-based test (CBT) format starting next year.He described the June 21 re-examination as a “whole-of-government approach” involving the Centre, state governments and district administrations and said the exams were done with the cooperation of students and parents.
defend one’s role
Pradhan reiterated that he did not shirk responsibility during the controversy. “I took responsibility from day one and never shied away from this situation,” he wrote. He said his goal throughout was to protect “deserving” students from what he called the “exam mafia” and pointed to the July 16 results as proof of the effectiveness of the process, noting that many students from poor families were successful.
Misguided accusation
Without naming anyone, Pradhan claimed that “those in responsible positions” were trying to create obstacles by misleading students, a development he said he was “deeply distressed” by. He has criticized opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in recent days, although the letter itself did not mention him or any organization by name.Pradhan viewed the resignation as an act to protect students and national unity rather than a personal setback. “This is not a matter of personal prestige for me,” he wrote, pointing to the protests at Jantar Mantar. He said the decision was aimed at ensuring that “anti-national forces do not take advantage” of the situation, that “the unity of the country remains intact”, that students’ futures are not “in legal trouble” and that children can return to school.Finally, he thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues and ministry staff, saying that serving the nation “was his top priority in life”.Full text of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation letter (translated from Hindi):“My young friends,For more than 40 years, I have always taken students, teachers, and education reform as my mission. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive and forward-looking education system is the foundation of a strong country. I have always had deep respect for the aspirations, sentiments and reasonable expectations of the nation’s youth. Realizing the dreams of India’s young generation has always been a moral commitment in our political and social life. I thank His Excellency the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the country under his visionary leadership.However, irregularities were discovered during the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The Indian government immediately took notice of the matter, handed over the investigation to the CBI, canceled the exam, and announced a new date for the re-examination. The meeting also decided that from next year, the exam will be conducted in the computer-based test (CBT) mode.During this period, our priority is to ensure that the exams for more than 2 million candidates run smoothly. We took a whole-of-government approach. Like the Indian government, state governments, especially district governments, also play an important role. With the cooperation of students, parents and guardians, the exam was successfully completed on June 21, 2026. I took responsibility from day one and never shied away from the situation. My determination is that no outstanding student’s future will be ruined by the exam mafia, and no student will be treated unfairly.The NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory and many outstanding students from poor families also achieved success.But even during this period, it pains me that some leaders are trying to create obstacles and mislead students.I have always had unwavering faith in the power of our democracy and have always respected the aspirations, dreams and expectations of our young people. They are not only the future of India but also the torchbearers, builders and architects of a new developing India. I am deeply saddened by the developments of these ten days. This is not a matter of personal reputation for me.India’s youth are the country’s most powerful force.I am determined not to trap young people in this country into a cycle of confusion and misinformation.In view of the situation emerging at Jantar Mantar and across the country, to ensure that anti-national forces are not exploited, that the unity of the country remains intact, that the future of any student is not mired in legal trouble, and that our children devote their time to studies and focus on developing their careers, I submitted my resignation to His Excellency the Prime Minister.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency the Prime Minister for his guidance, trust and continued support. I would also like to thank all my distinguished colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry and all those who have had the privilege of working with me. Serving my country is my top priority in life. I will always be committed to it.With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, I will continue to work in every possible way to fulfill the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha and the youth of the country.your,Dharmendra Pradhan
