Pradhan resigns,Prahlad Joshi appointed new Education Minister

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New Delhi, July 25

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced his resignation, saying he chose to step down in the interest of students and to ensure that the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination does not distract from their future.

In a letter addressed to the country’s youth, Pradhan said he had spent more than four decades working for students, teachers and education reforms. He described an inclusive, transparent and strong education system as the foundation of a developed India and said serving the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been an honour.

Referring to the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, the Education Minister acknowledged that irregularities had emerged during the process. He said the Centre responded immediately by handing the investigation to the CBI, cancelling the examination and announcing a fresh test. He added that from next year, NEET would be conducted entirely in a computer-based format.

Pradhan said the government’s immediate priority was to ensure that more than 20 lakh students could take the examination without further disruption. He credited the Centre, state governments, district administrations, parents and students for helping conduct the re-examination successfully on June 21.

He said he accepted responsibility from the very beginning and remained committed to ensuring that no deserving student suffered because of examination malpractice. According to him, the NEET-UG results declared on July 16 reflected the success of candidates from economically weaker backgrounds as well.

At the same time, Pradhan alleged that some people holding responsible positions attempted to mislead students and obstruct the process, saying those developments had caused him deep personal anguish.

Calling India’s youth the country’s greatest strength, he said the events of the past several days were not about his personal reputation but about protecting students’ aspirations and the credibility of the education system.

Pradhan said he did not want students to become entangled in legal disputes or political confrontation. Referring to the ongoing protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, he said anti-national forces should not be allowed to exploit the situation and urged students to remain focused on their studies and careers.

He said these considerations led him to submit his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pradhan also thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance and support, along with his Cabinet colleagues, ministry officials and others who worked with him during his tenure. He said public service would remain his highest priority and pledged to continue working for the people of India, Odisha and the country’s youth.