Amit Shah meets PM Modi after Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit.

Student protests force government to recalibrate education policy.

New Delhi, July 25, 2026: A dramatic turn in India’s political landscape unfolded today as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation amid nationwide student protests over exam paper leaks. His departure, long demanded by demonstrators, prompted Union Home Minister Amit Shah to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately after the announcement, signalling the gravity of the crisis.

For over a month, students had gathered at Jantar Mantar and across the country, demanding accountability for repeated breaches in the examination system. The protests, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), centered on three key demands: Pradhan’s resignation, assurances that no legal action would be taken against protesters, and compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the scandal. While the government had already conceded to the latter two, Pradhan’s resignation was the final step in addressing the unrest.

In an open letter addressed to students, Pradhan explained his decision as one taken in the national interest. He emphasized that “anti-national forces should not take advantage of the situation” and urged young people to focus on their studies rather than legal battles. His words reflected both a sense of responsibility and an attempt to calm tensions that had escalated into a nationwide movement.

The CJP hailed the resignation as a victory for student power. Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, declared, “This is democracy. He has resigned… Remember, do not mess with a cockroach.” The statement underscored the group’s growing influence and the symbolic weight of the protests, which have now become a defining moment in student activism.

Meanwhile, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who had engaged with students multiple times over the past week, are expected to meet Amit Shah soon to discuss the next steps. Their involvement suggests that the government is preparing for further negotiations with protest leaders, even as it seeks to restore confidence in the education system.

Pradhan’s resignation sets the stage for a third round of talks between the government and CJP representatives. The outcome of these discussions will likely determine not only the immediate resolution of the protests but also the future of examination reforms in India.

This episode highlights the growing power of student movements in shaping national policy and raises urgent questions about how the government will rebuild trust in the country’s education system.