Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid NEET-UG Protests As Pralhad Joshi Takes Over

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped down following intense national pressure and student protests regarding the leaked NEET-UG 2026 examination. The resignation followed significant political unrest and widespread demonstrations by student unions and families of affected aspirants who demanded accountability for examination irregularities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the decision, with senior cabinet members emphasizing that student welfare remains the government's primary priority over ministerial positions.

The historic protests culminated at Jantar Mantar and were largely driven by the Cockroach Janta Party movement. Led by student activist Abhijeet Dipke, the movement galvanized thousands of youths who demanded accountability in the education sector. Families of deceased students and agitated aspirants maintained that simple resignation is insufficient, calling for comprehensive structural overhauls of the National Testing Agency and greater transparency in administrative processes while the movement's leader battled typhoid on an IV drip.

Pralhad Joshi took charge of the Ministry of Education immediately on July 26, 2026, marking a significant shift in the central cabinet. The government now faces the critical task of implementing rigorous examination security protocols and addressing grievances raised by the CJP. This high-profile cabinet exit signals a new era of youth-led political influence in India, where digital-first movements can force major administrative changes.