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- Demonstrations have spread across central Delhi after claims of exam paper leaks and irregularities in competitive entrance tests.
- Police used tear gas and batons against protesters near Parliament, and organisers said around 150 people were hospitalised.
- Delhi Police said 118 officers were injured and had imposed restrictions before declaring the march unlawful.
- The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party says it will continue protests until demands are met, with some supporters now seeking broader political change.
India exam protests have entered a new phase in New Delhi, with thousands of young demonstrators continuing their demonstrations against the country’s examination system, which they say denies millions of students a fair opportunity.
The protests have spread across streets and parks in central Delhi, with mostly Gen-Z demonstrators demanding changes following allegations of exam paper leaks and irregularities affecting competitive entrance tests.
Earlier this week, protesters attempting to march towards Parliament were met with tear gas and police force. Demonstrators reported being struck with sticks and batons during clashes.
Injuries reported after police action
Around 150 protesters were taken to hospital with injuries following Monday’s confrontation, according to organisers behind the demonstrations.
Videos showing police using force against protesters spread widely online after authorities temporarily restricted internet access in the area. Delhi Police said 118 officers were injured during what they described as “violent protests”.
Police had imposed restrictions ahead of the march and declared the demonstration unlawful.
On Tuesday, protesters returned to Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in New Delhi, where they rebuilt a temporary camp that had been removed by police the previous day.
Students raise concerns over exam system
At the protest camp, demonstrators said education remained their main concern.
Sudhir Kumar, who attended Monday’s rally, said he had spent a year preparing for a medical school entrance exam before learning that the papers had allegedly been leaked.
“What we face when you prepare for the whole year and on D-Day you hear it’s rigged,” he said.
Another protester, Mohammad Taj, who travelled from neighbouring Haryana, said Monday’s march had been peaceful before police intervention.
“Kids, women, old men, they hit everyone,” he said, describing the police response.
Crowds later gathered outside Jantar Mantar, chanting slogans against the government and calling for greater accountability.
Youth movement grows into political force
The demonstrations were organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that began as a satirical initiative but has developed into a platform expressing wider frustration among young Indians.
The group was founded by Boston University graduate Abhijeet Dipke after comments by India’s chief justice were interpreted by some as comparing unemployed young people to “cockroaches”. The remarks sparked criticism in a country where youth unemployment remains a major concern.
The CJP has led recent protests over allegations that entrance exam papers for medical colleges were leaked and sold, forcing millions of students to repeat examinations.
India’s education system has faced repeated criticism over paper leaks, technical failures and the pressure placed on students and families.
Government faces mounting pressure
Anger increased after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on hunger strike in support of the movement, was removed from the protest site and taken to hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not directly responded to the protesters’ demands. However, the minister of parliamentary affairs said Modi remained committed to preventing future exam paper leaks.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also not publicly addressed Monday’s protests. Last month, he described the CJP as the “B-team of terror groups” during an interview with Indian media.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained on Tuesday after holding a sit-in near Modi’s residence and calling for Pradhan’s resignation.
Protesters say they will continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed, with some now calling for broader political change.
Also read: India’s Cockroach Janta Party goes viral after judge’s remarks
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