Goa, July 25 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned in the wake of the NEET-UG 2026 controversy, saying the interests of students and the nation must come before his position. His move comes after weeks of intense protests, particularly at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, and mounting political pressure over alleged irregularities and the cancellation and re-conduct of the medical entrance exam.

In a two-page letter addressed to "my young friends", Pradhan defends the government's handling of the crisis while casting his resignation as a step to prevent further confusion, unrest and legal battles for students. He stresses his long association with education and youth issues, and expresses gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra M...