Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns After NEET Protest; Opposition Calls It NDA’s First Major Climbdown

NEW DELHI: In a dramatic political development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following the nationwide outrage over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Supporters of the 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk, described the resignation as the first major climbdown by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in 12 years. That characterization reflects the view of the protest leaders and has not been officially accepted by the government.

Pradhan announced his resignation by releasing his resignation letter on social media. Protesters had maintained throughout the agitation that they would accept nothing less than his resignation.

“The resignation is a victory of students who demanded accountability and transparency,” protest leaders said after the announcement.

The resignation came just a day after the National Testing Agency (NTA) dismissed 47 officials over alleged lapses linked to the paper leak. Authorities also said criminal cases would be registered against the dismissed officials.

The Centre has announced major reforms in the NTA. Officials said the outsourcing system will be overhauled, technical safeguards will be strengthened, and a new examination framework will be developed to eliminate the possibility of future paper leaks. The agency will also recruit four Senior General Managers and 16 young professionals through the UPSC’s Pratibha Setu portal.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination, held on May 3, was cancelled after the paper leak surfaced and was conducted again. The controversy triggered protests across the country and, according to reports, several students died by suicide during the crisis.

“This is only the beginning. Our fight is for a transparent and trustworthy examination system,” protest leaders said.

The CBI continues to investigate the case. Raids have been conducted in several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi, and 13 people have been arrested so far. A chargesheet is expected to be filed soon as the investigation progresses.