Know what Dharmendra Pradhan said after resigning as Union Education Minister

I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings and legitimate expectations of the youth of the country. Realizing the dreams of the youth of India has been the moral compass of all our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity I have got to serve the nation under the visionary leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Ji.

But irregularities were noticed in the NEET-UG exam held on 3 May 2026. The Government of India immediately took this into consideration and handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the exam and announced a re-examination date. Along with this, it was decided to make the exam CBT (Computer-based-test) mode from next year.

During this period, our main priority was to ensure that the examination of more than 20 lakh students could be conducted smoothly. For this, work was done under the Whole of Government Approach. In this, the Government of India along with the State Government, especially the District Administration, had a key role. With the cooperation of students, guardians and parents, the examination was completed on 21 June 2026.

From day one, I took responsibility for this and never looked back. I was determined that we would not let the future of any talented student be ruined by the exam mafia and that no student would be treated unfairly.

The NEET-UG results announced on July 16 were satisfactory, with many talented students from poor backgrounds also achieving success.

But even during this time, individuals in responsible positions tried to create obstacles to distract many students, which was very upsetting.

I have always had unwavering faith in the strength of our democracy and have deep respect for the aspirations, dreams and hopes of the youth. They are not only the future of India, but also the bearers, builders and architects of a new and developed India.

I am saddened by the events of the past 10 days. This is not a matter of personal pride for me.

India’s youth is the real strength of this country.

I will not allow the youth of the country to get trapped in the cycle of illusion, this is my resolve.

I have sent my resignation letter to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Ji, keeping in mind that the situation created in the machinery and in the country should not be taken advantage of by anti-national forces, that the unity of the country should be maintained, that the future of even a single student of India should not be trapped in legal complications, that our children should spend their time in studies and focus on building their careers.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed Prime Minister Ji for his guidance, trust and continuous support. I also express my gratitude to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officers and staff of the Ministry and all those individuals with whom I have had the privilege of working. National service is the highest priority of my life, I will always be dedicated to it.

With the blessings of Lord Jagannath Ji, I will dedicate myself in every possible way to fulfilling the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country in the future as well.

Yours,

Dharmendra Pradhan