Prahlad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan resignation, amid the ongoing NEET-UG controversy.
Following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Prahlad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Education. Acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, the President approved the appointment, allowing Joshi to oversee the Education Ministry while continuing to manage his existing portfolios.
According to the official notification, Prahlad Joshi will retain all his current ministerial responsibilities in addition to handling the Education Ministry. The arrangement is effective immediately after the acceptance of Dharmendra Pradhan resignation.
President Droupadi Murmu, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2026
Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in… pic.twitter.com/rMmTK99zdR
President Accepts Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation
An official notification issued by the President office confirmed that Dharmendra Pradhan resignation has been accepted with immediate effect. Subsequently, Prahlad Joshi has been assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry until further orders.
The development comes at a time when the NEET-UG controversy has remained a major national issue, with concerns over alleged examination irregularities drawing widespread attention.
NEET-UG Controversy Intensified the Political Debate
The controversy traces back to May 3, 2026, when allegations of NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities surfaced after the entrance test. Many students questioned the fairness and transparency of the examination process, leading to protests that gradually expanded across multiple states and gained significant traction on social media.
The issue has since remained one of the most discussed topics in India’s education sector, with students demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
CJI Surya Kant’s Remark Also Sparked Debate
During a court hearing on May 15, remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant also became a subject of public discussion. The Chief Justice used the term “cockroach” while referring to individuals allegedly entering professional fields using fake degrees. He later clarified that the remark was not directed at genuine students or young aspirants, but specifically at those accused of obtaining fraudulent qualifications.
The clarification aimed to prevent any misunderstanding regarding the context of his observation during the proceedings.
What This Means
With Prahlad Joshi taking additional charge of the Education Ministry, attention is expected to remain focused on the government’s response to the ongoing NEET-UG examination controversy and the administration of key education-related policies in the coming weeks.