What happened: Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and scrutiny of NTA leadership

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid protests over alleged examination irregularities. After the resignation, scrutiny intensified around National Testing Agency (NTA) Chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi’s role and his limited public visibility during the post-NEET-UG period.

NTA Director-General Abhishek Singh was described as handling damage-control efforts related to the NEET-UG paper leak aftermath and overseeing a re-examination process, while criticism focused on NTA Chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi staying largely out of public view.

Background and earlier position: appointment and career trail of NTA Chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi

NTA Chairman Pradeep Kumar Joshi was appointed as NTA Chairman in August 2023. The news report also records that Joshi held previous leadership roles in MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission), CGPSC (Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission), and UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).

Opposition leaders and activists alleged political influence in appointments connected to Joshi’s career and NTA leadership.

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