Thousands of students and young people have taken to the streets across India in the biggest public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since he secured a third term, with protests initially sparked by a medical entrance examination scandal but now reflecting broader anger over unemployment, governance and the country’s education system.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after authorities cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India’s highly competitive medical entrance examination, following the discovery of a question paper leak. Nearly two million students sat for the exam in May before it was scrapped, throwing admission plans into uncertainty and fuelling nationwide outrage. Several student suicides have also been linked to the examination crisis, intensifying calls for accountability.
What began as anger over the NEET scandal has evolved into a wider youth movement known as the ‘Cockroach’ movement, with demonstrators arguing that repeated examination leaks expose deep-rooted corruption and inefficiency in India’s recruitment and education systems. Protesters say years of cancelled examinations, paper leaks and delayed recruitment have robbed millions of young Indians of fair opportunities for education and employment.
Another major driver of the protests is India’s worsening youth unemployment. While the country remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, many graduates struggle to find quality jobs. Demonstrators say economic growth has failed to translate into employment opportunities, leaving educated young people frustrated about their future. The movement has therefore broadened its demands beyond education reforms to include greater transparency, job creation and improved governance.
The protests gained further momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike in support of students, was removed by police and taken to hospital ahead of a planned march to Parliament. Thousands of supporters subsequently converged on New Delhi despite authorities denying permission for the demonstration. Clashes broke out when police used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to breach barricades, leaving scores of protesters and security personnel injured.
Opposition parties have backed the demonstrations, accusing the Modi administration of failing India’s youth and demanding sweeping reforms to the examination system. The government has pledged action against those responsible for the paper leak and promised reforms, but protesters insist cosmetic measures will not address systemic failures that have undermined public confidence.
Political analysts say the movement has become a symbol of wider discontent among India’s young population, who account for more than half of the country’s 1.4 billion people. With Parliament in session and key state elections approaching, the protests are expected to keep pressure on the Modi government as demands grow for accountability, educational reforms and better employment prospects for millions of young Indians.