Indian education minister resigns amid student protests over paper leak
- By Umaima Amir -
- Jul 25, 2026
New Delhi – Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has finally resigned on Saturday after weeks of massive student protests in Delhi over NEET paper leak.
Just hours before the third round of talks between the Cockroach Janta Party and Indian government, the politician rushed to his X account to announce that he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a lengthy statement, Pradhan admitted that he took the decision keeping the future of students in mind.
“I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for over four decades. It has always been my firm belief that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the foundation of a strong nation,” he wrote.
The former minister further added, “Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister.”
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The move marks significant development in ongoing political unrest in neighboring country as Pradhan’s resignation was the main demand of the protesters camping at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for over a month.
The CJP applauded the Minister’s update, stating, “The Education Minister has stepped down. Victory to student power!”
A day earlier, a spokesperson from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) met union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. After the meeting, the CJP had said that the government had sought time till tomorrow to decide on Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
About Neet paper leak
The NEET-UG 2026 exam took place on May 3, but the government announced its cancellation on May 12, citing a paper leak. The decision triggered massive uproar and the backlash only grew after several aspirants died by suicide. A re-exam took place on June 21 and results were announced this month.
On July 20, thousands of students and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members attempted to march toward Parliament demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for affected families, and systemic reforms.
The student-led protest gained momentum following climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Although Wangchuk called off his fast this week, the CJP maintained a firm stance on Pradhan’s resignation, making it clear that no concessions short of his departure would be accepted.