India Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns after youth protests over exam leaks

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on Wednesday after a wave of youth‑led protests over alleged exam paper leaks, a development that has shaken Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The decision follows mounting pressure from student groups and civil‑society organisations demanding accountability for what they described as a breach of the integrity of national examinations.

The scandal involved the unauthorized acquisition and distribution of question papers for several high‑stakes tests, prompting demonstrations in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities. Protesters called for systemic reforms, stricter security protocols and transparent investigations. In response, the Ministry of Education launched a probe and faced criticism for perceived oversight failures. Citing personal reasons and the need for a seamless transition, Pradhan submitted his resignation to the prime minister, prompting calls for an immediate appointment of a new education minister.

The resignation underscores the Modi administration’s challenge to restore public confidence in the education system and address broader concerns about governance. Officials have pledged to tighten examination security and expedite the selection of Pradhan’s successor, signaling an effort to contain the political fallout and reassure stakeholders.