- Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
- 84-day controversy involved protests, CJP formation, police action.
- NTA cancelled exam, PM Modi announced fast-track courts.
The controversy over the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG 2026, the country’s biggest medical entrance examination, reached a major political flashpoint after months of protests, investigations and opposition pressure. On July 25, 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post, taking responsibility amid the escalating controversy.
From allegations of a paper leak to nationwide protests, police action, political intervention and the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the 84-day-long episode witnessed several major developments.
May 3, 2026: NEET-UG 2026 Exam Conducted
The controversy began on May 3, when the NEET-UG examination was conducted across the country. Soon after the exam, allegations of a paper leak surfaced, triggering concerns among students and aspirants.
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May 12, 2026: NTA Cancels Exam, Announces Re-Test
Following complaints and evidence related to the alleged leak, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the examination on May 12 and announced a re-examination. Authorities also launched action against those accused, with 13 people arrested in connection with the case.
May 15, 2026: Supreme Court Hearing Sparks Controversy
During a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, a remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant triggered a controversy among protesters and students demanding accountability.
May 16, 2026: Abhijit Dipke Forms CJP
A day later, on May 16, Abhijit Dipke formed the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and launched a social media campaign demanding accountability and action over the examination controversy.
The campaign gained significant attention online, with the party claiming support from millions of people.
June 6, 2026: First CJP Protest At Jantar Mantar
After returning from the United States, Abhijit Dipke held the first major CJP protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 6, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Following major protest at Jantar Mantar, CJP launched a nationwide moment, with CJP founder and other CJP members visiting different states of the nation to stage protest against the paper leak. During a CJP protest at Jaipur on June 15, the CJP founder reportedly by at least two people.
June 20, 2026: Second Major Protest
The CJP organised another major protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, intensifying its demand for action against those responsible. Several CJP leaders, protestors and students had been staying at the protest site from June 20, refusing to leave the site until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
June 28, 2026: Sonam Wangchuk Joins Protest
The movement gained further momentum on June 28, when climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of students’ demands.
However, Wangchuk was later removed by police on July 18 and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital citing health concerns and High Court orders. The police action led to further criticism and protests.
July 20, 2026: ‘Chalo Sansad’ March Turns Violent
On July 20, the CJP organised a ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. The march, which was held without permission, was stopped by police, leading to clashes between protesters and security personnel.
Police used lathi charge and tear gas to control the situation. Several videos from the incident went viral on social media, sparking debate over police action. Some protesters were also seen engaging in vandalism.
During the clashes, police detained more than 100 people, including CJP founder Abhijit Dipke. Authorities cleared the protest site, though demonstrators returned later in the night.
July 21, 2026: Opposition Leaders Join Protest
On July 21, opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Akhilesh Yadav protested outside the Prime Minister’s residence demanding action.
The leaders were detained by police and later released. Meanwhile, opposition parties raised the issue in Parliament from July 21 to July 23, demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
July 23, 2026: PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts
Amid growing pressure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts for paper leak cases on July 23.
A day later, on July 24, the NTA removed 47 officials and ordered cases to be filed against them.
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July 25, 2026: Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns
Amid the ongoing nationwide protests over the paper leak, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday announced his resignation. While sharing his resignation letter in a post on X, Pradhan informed that he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pradhan further stated that the recent developments had affected him, adding that the issue was not a matter of personal reputation.
"To ensure that anti-national elements are not benefited by the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, that the nation remains united, students in India do not get tangled in legal complexities and focus on their studies and their career, I have tendered my resignation to the Prime Minister," Pradhan's letter read.