The Path of NEET 2026 Protests | Explained The resignation of India’s education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, marks the culmination of a months-long nationwide protest movement sparked by the NEET 2026 exam controversy. Over 22 lakh students, whose futures were jeopardized by allegations of question paper leaks, mobilized across the country to demand accountability. The protests, which began in May 2026, escalated into a nationwide movement, culminating in the minister’s resignation on July 25, 2026. The crisis began on May 3, 2026, when the NEET-UJ (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) was held, with approximately 22 lakh students appearing for the exam. Within hours of the test, allegations of question paper leaks surfaced, sparking immediate outrage. The National Testing Agency (NTA) confirmed irregularities and canceled the exam on May 12, 2026, handing over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A nationwide re-exam was announced, but protests erupted across cities like Delhi, with students demanding justice for the compromised exam. By mid-May, the protests gained momentum, with students occupying public spaces and demanding the resignation of the education minister. On June 21, 2026, the re-exam was conducted under strict security measures, but tensions remained high. The movement reached a turning point on June 28, 2026, when Tibetan activist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, urging students to unite against the perceived injustice. His protest drew widespread support, with thousands joining the cause. The protests intensified further on July 16, 2026, when the re-exam results were announced. However, disputes over score discrepancies led to renewed demonstrations.#central_bureau_of_investigation #national_testing_agency #sonam_wangchuk #dharmendra_pradhan #neet_2026
