Pradhan announced the decision in a two-page statement posted on X, addressing “young friends.” He said he had dedicated more than four decades to students, teachers, and education reform and deeply respected the aspirations of India’s youth. He thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve under his leadership.
Referring to the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, 2026, Pradhan noted that irregularities had come to light. The government immediately handed the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), cancelled the examination, scheduled a re-test (successfully held on June 21), and decided to shift the exam to computer-based test (CBT) mode from the following year. He said he had taken responsibility from the outset to protect meritorious students from the “exam mafia” and ensure no injustice.
The minister expressed sadness over recent developments, stating that the matter was not one of personal prestige. “India’s youth are the true strength of this nation,” he wrote. He resolved not to allow them to be trapped in a “web of confusion.” Citing the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, he said he was resigning so that anti-national forces could not exploit it, national unity would be preserved, no student’s future would become entangled in legal complications, and young people could focus on their studies and careers.
He concluded by thanking the Prime Minister, Cabinet colleagues, and ministry staff, and pledged continued service to the nation, Odisha, and India’s youth with the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
The resignation marks a rare instance of a Union minister stepping down under sustained public pressure during the Modi government’s tenure. It followed weeks of protests led primarily by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke. Demonstrators had camped at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for over a month, demanding accountability for examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. Tensions escalated after police action against protesters near Parliament on July 20.
CJP leaders had made Pradhan’s resignation a non-negotiable condition for further talks with the Centre. Government representatives, including Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, had held discussions with CJP spokespersons. The group welcomed the development as a victory for students and democracy, though it indicated the agitation would continue until remaining demands—such as compensation for families of students who died by suicide linked to the controversy and action regarding police conduct—were addressed.
Opposition parties and various student groups had also backed the call for the minister’s exit. Celebrations were reported at protest sites and on social media following the announcement.
The government has not yet formally accepted the resignation. Officials have previously indicated plans for stricter anti-paper-leak legislation, including fast-track courts and a special task force.
Pradhan, a senior BJP leader from Odisha, had held the education portfolio since 2021 (with earlier stints in other ministries). His departure comes at a sensitive time for competitive examinations and education reforms in the country.