Union Education Minister Pradhan Resigns Amid Widespread Protests Over NEET Paper Leaks

The development has come after weeks of massive student protests in Delhi seeking his resignation over exam irregularities, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak. The protests which started in the Capital finally spilled over to other cities as well.

Pradhan announced his resignation on ‘X’ saying that he was taking the decision keeping the future of students in mind.

“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. Realizing the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives,” he said, adding that he would return to Odisha, his home state.

“From day one, I took full responsibility and never turned away from the situation. I was determined not to let the potential of any meritorious student be ruined by the 'exam mafia' or to allow any injustice to befall any student,” he said.

Pradhan’s resignation has been a key demand of the CJP-led protest.

On Thursday, in a major bureaucratic reshuffle, Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education was shifted to Ministry of Panchayati Raj .  The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994 batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre as Secretary, Department of Higher Education in place of Joshi.

Gangwar will be closely monitored amid widespread controversies erupting over India’s education system after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak, though the all India competitive examination is held by the National Testing Agency (NTA), set up by the Centre in 2018 as an autonomous body under the Ministry Of Education.

PM Modi Takes To Social Media To Reach Out To Youth

Following massive protests and outrage over the paper leak scandal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a video message on Thursday assured strict action against the culprits with the setting up of fast-track courts to deal with the problem. He once again released a video on Friday night thanking the people, especially the youth of the country.

The Union Cabinet, meanwhile on Friday gave its nod to put in place a new bill to ensure even more stringent punishment for culprits who are found to be involved in paper leaks. Sources said that the proposed legislation would be taken up in Parliament at the earliest.

NEET Controversy

NEET paper leak has been repeatedly happening – in 2021, 2024 and once again in 2026.

To address this menace, the government enacted the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act in 2024. Though several people have been arrested for paper leaks in the last few years, the repeated problem reflects an urgent need for a deep rooted restructuring in the education sector.