NEW DELHI: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday tendered his resignation from the council of ministers amid the ongoing protests over the NEET paper leak.

In a letter addressed to his "young friends," Pradhan said that he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, considering the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country.

Read his full statement:

"I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for more than four decades. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the very foundation of a strong nation.

I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions, and just expectations of the country's youth. Realizing the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment of all of us in political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for the opportunity he gave me to serve the nation under his visionary leadership.

However, irregularities came to light in the NEET-UG examination held on 3 May 2026. The Government of India took immediate cognizance of this, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, and announced a new date for the re-examination. Alongside this, it was decided that from next year the examination would be conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode.

During this period, our foremost priority was to ensure that the examination for more than 20 lakh (2 million) students was conducted smoothly. This was carried out under a "whole of government" approach. In this, along with the Government of India, the state governments â especially the district administrations â played an important role. With the cooperation of students and parents, this examination was completed on 21 June 2026.

From the very first day, I took responsibility and never turned away from this situation. My resolve was that we would not let any meritorious student's chances be ruined because of an examination mafia, and that no injustice would be done to any student.

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

However, during this time too, certain individuals occupying positions of responsibility tried to mislead students and create obstruction, which caused me deep anguish.

I have always been an unwavering believer in the strength of our democracy, and I have always held deep respect for the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not only India's future, but also the bearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India.

Watching the events of the last 10 days has saddened me. This is not a matter of personal reputation for me.

The youth power of India is the real strength of this country.

My resolve is that we will not let the country's youth get caught in a web of confusion.

Considering the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country â that anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, that the unity of the country should be preserved, that not even a single student's future should get entangled in legal complications, and that our children should devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers â I have sent my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and continuous support. I also express my gratitude to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, the officials and staff of the Ministry, and all those with whom I had the privilege of working. Service to the nation is the highest priority of my life, and I shall remain dedicated to it always.

By the blessings of Lord Sri Jagannath, I shall continue to dedicate myself in every possible way, in the future as well, to the fulfillment of the aspirations of Mother India, the people of Odisha, and the youth of the country."