NEET paper leak controversy: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns under pressure from students! Know the 5 major achievements and major controversies of his tenure

A big news has come to light amid the huge uproar going on across the country regarding NEET paper leak and the ever-increasing political and social pressure. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. In his resignation letter, he has made it clear that he was taking moral responsibility for this entire matter from the very first day. Let us tell you that the students under the leadership of CJP were adamant on his resignation for more than a month. Even famous social activist Sonam Wangchuk had gone on a long hunger strike in support of the students. Amidst this big political development, let’s take a look at the major successes and controversies of Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure as Education Minister.

Historical achievements of Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure

During his tenure, many far-reaching and positive changes have been seen in the Indian education system, which changed the direction of the education system.

• Beginning of CUET: Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) was successfully implemented to make undergraduate admission transparent and uniform in all the central and premier universities of the country.

• Affordable and accessible textbooks: New NCERT books were prepared under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Their printing capacity was increased three times, which reduced the prices of books in the market and provided great financial relief to parents.

• Entry of foreign universities into India: To make higher education of global standard, under NEP 2020, 19 foreign universities were given historic approval to open their campuses in India.

• Higher Education and Single Regulator: Special emphasis was given on Multiple Entry-Exit System, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and 4 Year Graduation Program (FYUP). Apart from this, ‘Developed India Education Foundation Bill, 2025’ was introduced to create a single regulator by merging institutions like UGC and AICTE.

Controversies related to tenure, which increased the concern of the government

While on one hand there were many reforms in the field of education, on the other hand rigging in some major national examinations also pushed the government on the back foot.

• NEET-UG 2024 and 2026 paper leaked: Allegations of rigging and irregularities in a prestigious examination like NEET have put a question mark on the future of lakhs of candidates. The matter reached the Supreme Court and serious questions were raised on the functioning of NTA. Fierce protests across the country greatly increased the government’s concerns.

• Technical shortcomings in digital assessment: The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, which was used for the first time in the CBSE 12th examination, remained in controversy due to technical glitches and blurry copies.

• Dispute over three language formula and UGC rules: Many non-Hindi speaking states, including Tamil Nadu, accused the Center of ‘imposing Hindi’ over the implementation of the three language policy in Class 9. At the same time, huge opposition was seen in the education world and social circles regarding the UGC Equity Regulation 2026.

Amidst all these important achievements and serious controversies, Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure will remain a topic of discussion in the field of Indian education for a long time.