- The protests were triggered by the cancellation of the NEET medical exam after its question papers were leaked, affecting about 2 million students and linked to a dozen student suicides. A re-test was held in June.
- The movement is led by the self-named Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which quickly gained Instagram followers and channeled youth frustration over high unemployment and exam leaks.
- Thousands of protesters camped in New Delhi in the biggest public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Despite tear gas and baton charges, sit-ins continue until demands are met, and opposition parties have capitalized on the issue.
- The government responded with promises of exam reforms and punishment for leakers. Health Minister J.P. Nadda met protesters and discussed demands including compensation of 10 million rupees per deceased student.
Protests in India have erupted following the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) due to a question paper leak, which has been linked to several student suicides.123
About 2 million students took the exam on May 3, but it was scrapped, leading to a re-test in June. The protests are fueled by the newly formed 'cockroach' movement, which channels the frustrations of the youth, particularly those under 30, who face high unemployment rates.456
The movement has gained significant traction, with thousands camping in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This marks a major public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his third term.789
In response, Pradhan has promised reforms and accountability, while Modi has vowed to punish those responsible for the leaks. The protests have also drawn attention from opposition parties, who see this as an opportunity to challenge Modi's government on issues that resonate deeply with young voters.
Health Minister J.P. Nadda met with protesters, discussing their demands, which include compensation of 10 million rupees ($104,000) for families of students who died by suicide. The situation remains tense as the youth-led movement continues to gain momentum.1011
“The self-named Cockroach Janta Party gained hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers within days, channeling frustration over exam leaks and high unemployment among under-30s. Thousands have camped in New Delhi demanding the education minister's resignation, with opposition parties capitalizing on the issue.”
