Ahead of the meeting, the CJP said the government must clarify whether it is prepared to remove Pradhan from his post, indicating that the minister's resignation remains a non-negotiable demand.

'No point in talks without decision on Pradhan': CJP

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, "In yesterday's meeting, we received a positive response regarding compensation and legal matters. An in-principle agreement was reached.

"We hope that today we will also receive the written agreement, but the main demand—regarding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation—has not yet seen any concrete decision."

He added, "If Pradhan does not resign, let us know; then there is no point in holding meetings like this. We will work on our future strategy."

Protest gathers momentum across the country

Thousands of protesters remain camped at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the epicentre of the nationwide NEET agitation, demanding Pradhan's resignation as demonstrations continue to spread to several major cities.

The Centre, which had earlier refrained from directly engaging with the protesters, has now initiated dialogue with CJP representatives in an effort to break the deadlock and reach a resolution.

PM Modi reaches out to students

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped in, releasing midnight video messages on two consecutive days aimed at addressing concerns raised by students, particularly Gen Z protesters leading the nationwide movement against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

On Thursday night, Modi announced that the government would introduce stricter measures against those involved in paper leak cases.

"Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families," the Prime Minister said, adding that fast-track courts would be established to ensure the speedy trial of such cases.
On Friday, Modi posted another video message saying, "Thanks to the youngsters who watched my video yesterday and sent insightful suggestions."
 


Government offers in-principle approval on two demands

On Friday, CJP representatives held talks with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh.

Following the meeting, Ashutosh Ranka said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the protesters' primary demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

He added that the Centre had given its "in-principle approval" to two other key demands:

  • Providing compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.
  • Withdrawing FIRs and other legal cases filed against protesting students.