Opposition Leaders Demand Resignation of India Education Minister Over Exam Leak

Opposition leaders in India are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following an alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 paper.

The controversy centers on the integrity of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers the medical entrance exam. The dispute highlights growing political tensions over the government's ability to secure high-stakes academic testing for millions of students.

Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the opposition, called for the immediate removal of the minister. "Sack Dharmendra Pradhan now," Gandhi said ^[1]. The demand follows allegations that the government failed to protect the education system from corruption and leaks ^[5].

The original NEET-UG 2026 exam was held May 3, 2024 ^[3]. Following the reports of a paper leak, the government cancelled the test. A re-examination was subsequently announced for June 21, 2024 ^[4].

Other opposition figures have joined the call for accountability. D. K. Shivakumar described the situation as "a system that fails its students," he said ^[2]. The opposition argues that the leak undermines the meritocracy of the medical admissions process.

The government has defended its response to the crisis. A BJP spokesperson said the administration acted swiftly to cancel the exam and will ensure a fair re-examination ^[6]. The ruling party maintains that the corrective measures taken are sufficient to address the breach.

Despite the scheduled re-test, opposition members continue to press Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove Pradhan from his post. They argue that the scale of the leak requires a change in leadership at the ministry to restore public trust in the NTA.