Student groups, civil society and political parties have taken to the streets across India demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. Clashes with police have turned violent in several states, including Kerala and Bihar.

Key Takeaways

  • Students across multiple states demand Education Minister's resignation
  • Police deployed water cannons, tear gas, and baton‑charges in Kerala, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh
  • Opposition parties and civil groups have joined the agitation

How the Movement Spread

What began as a protest at Jantar Mantar against the NEET paper leak on July 23 quickly snowballed into a nationwide agitation. Student outfits, civil society groups and several political parties converged on a single demand – the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Flashpoints Across States

In Kerala, the Student Federation of India (SFI) organized marches in Kochi, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kannur. Police responded with water‑cannon and tear‑gas, leading to confrontations in Kasaragod and Palakkad.

Bihar saw over 600 unidentified protesters charged with vandalism; security personnel resorted to baton‑charges in Katihar and Begusarai after stone‑throwing incidents. Over 40 students were detained in Patna.

Andhra Pradesh’s “Chalo Lok Bhavan” march was halted midway by police, heightening tensions and prompting organizers to vow continued phases of protest until the minister steps down.

North‑East and Central India Join In

In the North‑East, student unions in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram rallied for education reforms, often under the banner of the Cockroach Janata Party. In Madhya Pradesh, Indore saw a surge of students, teachers and parents, while Bengaluru witnessed hundreds of professionals and Dalit activists supporting the cause.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the scale of this student‑led movement not only pressures the government for immediate accountability but also highlights deep‑seated flaws in India’s examination ecosystem. Failure to address these concerns could fuel broader civil unrest.

"The NEET leak exposes systemic vulnerabilities, and only a comprehensive overhaul of the testing process can restore public confidence," says education policy expert Dr. Ananya Rao.
Did You Know?: The 2021 NEET leak sparked protests, but none reached the nationwide intensity seen in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded to the resignation demands?
A: As of now, there has been no formal resignation, though the government has announced an inquiry.

Q2: What legal recourse do protesters have against police use of water‑cannon and baton‑charges?
A: Affected individuals can file petitions in courts or approach human‑rights commissions for redress.