Student leader to education minister: Dharmendra Pradhan's political career before the NEET row
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25, 2026 amid protests over the NEET UG paper leak.
He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the situation at Jantar Mantar and nationwide protests.
Pradhan oversaw the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and reforms in higher education, school education, and skill development.
His political career began in student politics in Odisha, where he served as president of the Talcher College Students' Union.
Pradhan was born on June 26, 1969 in Talcher, Odisha, into a political family; his father Debendra Pradhan was a BJP leader and Union Minister of State.
Story angle
Center-right
Mostly straight facts, with a light government- or market-friendly tilt.
About how the story is framed, not whether the facts are true.
Times of India
Center-right
Mixed factuality
Who owns this?
Times Group
Bennett, Coleman & Co. (Sahu Jain family)
India's largest newspaper group by circulation.
Wikipedia: Sahu Jain family