Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Education Minister Amid Nationwide Protests

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Union Cabinet on July 25, 2026, amid mounting pressure from nationwide student protests over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for accountability in the country’s examination system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received his resignation, bringing a major political development after weeks of unrest across several states.

Why Did Dharmendra Pradhan Resign?

The resignation follows sustained protests led by student groups demanding accountability for repeated examination paper leaks, including the NEET Exam, particularly those linked to national-level entrance examinations. Demonstrations were held in several cities, with protestors accusing the Education Ministry and the National Testing Agency (NTA) of failing to ensure transparent and secure examinations.

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Government’s Response

Before the resignation, the Union Government held multiple rounds of discussions with representatives of protesting student groups. Officials initially maintained that the government’s focus was on reforming the examination system rather than replacing the Education Minister. However, with protests intensifying and political pressure mounting, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 25.

Also Read: Education Ministers of India

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Article 75 of Indian Constitution

Article 75 of the Indian Constitution provides the constitutional framework governing the appointment, tenure, resignation, and removal of Union Ministers, including the Education Minister.

Article 75(1) Appointment of Ministers

• The President appoints the Prime Minister.
• Other Union Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• Since ministers are appointed on the Prime Minister’s advice, their resignation is also submitted to the Prime Minister, who advises the President to accept it.

Article 75(2) Ministers Hold Office During the Pleasure of the President

• Article 75(2) states that “The Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the President.”
• In practice, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister.
• A Union Minister may:
  • Resign voluntarily, or
  • Be asked to resign by the Prime Minister, or
  • Be removed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Article 75(3) Collective Responsibility

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Every minister is expected to support Cabinet decisions.
• If the Council of Ministers loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha, the entire Council, including all ministers, must resign.

Article 75(4) Oath of Office and Secrecy

• Every Union Minister takes the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy before entering office.
• Once a minister resigns and the resignation is accepted, they cease to hold the office and its constitutional responsibilities.

Impact on the Education Sector

The resignation is expected to accelerate discussions on reforming India’s examination framework. The Centre is likely to announce measures aimed at improving examination security, strengthening oversight of the National Testing Agency, and restoring public confidence in competitive examinations. Until a new Education Minister is appointed, the government may assign the portfolio as an additional charge to another Cabinet Minister.