Students clash with police over exam irregularities

Thousands of students clashed with police in New Delhi on Monday during a protest demanding the resignation of India’s Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, marking one of the largest anti-government demonstrations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure.

The clashes erupted after security forces tried to disperse the demonstrators, using tear gas and baton charges to regain control of the situation.

The protest was organised over alleged irregularities in the country's medical college entrance examination, the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). Demonstrators argued that repeated failures in the examination system have jeopardised the academic futures of millions of students across India.

According to Delhi Police, 118 police personnel and more than 50 protesters were injured in the violence, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.

The turnout appeared to exceed police preparations, with security personnel struggling to contain crowds that stretched beyond the designated protest area.

The demonstrations highlighted growing frustration among students, while social media platforms were flooded with criticism of what many users described as the excessive use of force by security personnel.

Videos showing police using batons and tear gas spread rapidly on social media, prompting criticism from opposition leaders, student groups, and rights activists.

Nineteen-year-old Priyadarshini, who participated in the protest, told University World News that young people felt increasingly ignored by the government.

“The situation that has been created in the country has left young people deeply frustrated, but the government seems completely indifferent,” she said.

She added that the government should engage in dialogue with students instead of responding with force.

“Rather than talking to us, the government has chosen to use force. It sends the message that it wants to silence students instead of listening to them.”

Anger over exam leaks

Monday’s demonstration followed months of anger over repeated allegations of paper leaks in competitive examinations.

The current wave of protests was triggered after authorities announced in May that the national medical entrance examination would have to be conducted again following allegations that the examination paper had been leaked.

Around 2.3 million students had taken the examination, which serves as the primary gateway to medical colleges across India.

The controversy sparked widespread outrage. Student groups allege that nearly 20 candidates died by suicide in different parts of the country following the examination scandal.

Paper leaks and allegations of malpractice in competitive examinations have repeatedly surfaced in recent years. Student organisations argue that the government has consistently failed to take responsibility or implement meaningful reforms to restore confidence in the examination system.

Hunger striker detained

Momentum grew further last week after activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained while observing a 20-day hunger strike near the protest site in support of students.

By Monday morning, thousands of demonstrators had gathered at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi’s designated protest venue.

Authorities imposed extensive security restrictions around the area, suspending internet services within a five-kilometre radius, closing several metro stations, and erecting multiple layers of barricades to prevent protesters from advancing.

Police detained hundreds of demonstrators during the operation. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show students with head injuries and other bleeding wounds following the clashes.

Reacting to the crackdown, Amnesty International India Chair of the Board Aakar Patel said the images and reports from Jantar Mantar suggested that “peaceful dissent is being suppressed in India”.

In a statement, he urged the Delhi Police to exercise restraint, immediately cease the use of unlawful force against peaceful protesters, and ensure an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of excessive force during the protest.

The protest was called by the recently formed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a youth movement that emerged after remarks by India’s Chief Justice comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites”.

What began as an online satirical campaign has since evolved into an organised protest movement focused on unemployment and education.

Protest draws broad political support

Monday’s protest has drawn broad political support. India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, along with several other opposition parties, has backed the students' demands. On Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s residence before being detained by police.

Meanwhile, Union Minister JP Nadda met representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party following the protests. However, according to participants, the government did not commit to accepting any of the group's principal demands.

The main demands of the protesters are the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital, and Rs 10 million in compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused an immediate hearing on a petition filed against the baton charge on supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party. On Wednesday, a lawyer moved a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before a three-judge bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

With demonstrations continuing to spread and public support growing, the student movement is emerging as one of the most significant political challenges facing Modi during his 12 years in office.