New Delhi: In a significant political development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his post following sustained criticism over the handling of the NEET UG 2026 examination controversy. The resignation comes after weeks of demonstrations demanding accountability over allegations of question paper leaks and examination irregularities.
Protests intensified in New Delhi's Jantar Mantar area, where student groups and activists called for structural reforms in India's examination system. The controversy has dominated national political discourse, with opposition leaders repeatedly urging the government to fix accountability for lapses in the examination process.
The issue gained further momentum after environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk observed a prolonged hunger strike demanding transparency and reforms in the country's competitive examination system. Political leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, also joined calls for ministerial accountability.
The resignation follows a major administrative action announced by the Education Ministry a day earlier, in which 47 officials associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) were reportedly dismissed over alleged negligence and irregularities linked to examination management. Authorities also indicated that legal proceedings would be initiated against individuals found responsible for serious misconduct.
The government is expected to announce an interim leadership arrangement for the Education Ministry while investigations into the NEET controversy continue. Analysts believe the resignation represents one of the most significant political responses to the examination crisis and may lead to broader reforms in India's recruitment and entrance examination framework.
While the resignation marks an important political milestone, investigations into the alleged paper leak network and institutional failures remain ongoing.
