Dharmendra Pradhan steps down as education minister over NEET row

Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his position as the Union Education Minister on Saturday, amidst escalating protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The decision comes as student groups and opposition parties intensified their demands for accountability and transparency in the examination process. Pradhan, who has been at the helm since July 2021, cited his commitment to maintaining the integrity of educational assessments as a key reason for his departure. The NEET-UG 2026 controversy erupted earlier this month when reports surfaced suggesting that the exam paper had been leaked prior to the scheduled test date. This incident led to widespread unrest among students and parents, who voiced concerns over the fairness of the examination. The government has since launched an investigation to uncover the source of the leak and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Pradhan's resignation is seen as a significant move by the government to address public outcry and restore confidence in the education system. While his departure marks a pivotal moment, it also raises questions about the future direction of the Ministry of Education. As the investigation continues, stakeholders are keenly watching for swift reforms to prevent similar issues in future examinations.

— Authored by Next24 Live