Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign as Education Minister in 2026?

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on 25 July 2026, after more than a month of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and in other cities over examination paper leaks, especially the NEET-UG 2026 leak.

Pradhan said he resigned to prevent "anti-national forces" from exploiting the situation. Analysts described it as a rare setback for the Modi government, since ministers resigning in response to street protests had been unusual in recent years.

After his resignation:

• Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry.
• Prime Minister Modi posted a video acknowledging young people's concerns and announced a panel to overhaul the exam system.
• Parliament quickly passed a stronger anti-paper leak law.
• The youth protesters, under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party, called off their agitation.

The Opposition questioned whether a change of minister would fix deeper problems in India's examination system, such as the functioning of the National Testing Agency and weak security in exam logistics. That debate is likely to continue.