A youth led protest movement in India has intensified following the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), with thousands of demonstrators continuing a sit-in in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
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The protests were triggered after authorities cancelled the nationwide medical entrance examination when question papers were found to have been leaked. Nearly two million students had appeared for the exam in May before it was scrapped, prompting widespread frustration among candidates. A fresh examination was later conducted in June.
NEET serves as the single entrance examination for undergraduate medical admissions across India, where millions of students compete each year for fewer than 150,000 seats. The controversy has reignited concerns over the country’s highly competitive education system and repeated incidents of examination paper leaks.
The demonstrations have been driven by the self-described Cockroach Janta Party, a youth movement that rapidly gained popularity on social media after emerging in May. The group says it represents growing frustration among young people over education, unemployment and accountability in public institutions.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of the education minister, compensation for families of students reportedly linked to the exam controversy, and broader reforms to India’s examination system. They have also called for the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose detention has become another rallying point for the movement.
The Indian government has pledged to reform examination procedures and hold those responsible for the paper leak accountable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strict action against those involved, while Health Minister JP Nadda has met protest representatives and sought time to address their concerns.
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The issue has also taken on political significance, with opposition parties backing the demonstrations. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were briefly detained after protesting outside the prime minister’s residence before being released later.
As thousands continue to camp in the capital, the movement has become one of the most significant public challenges facing the Modi government during its current term.