Exam paper leak, protests and Gandhi siblings' arrest — India's 'cockroach' youth movement explained

New Delhi is witnessing large-scale protests by India's youth, who are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstrations represent a significant public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

The immediate catalyst for the protests was the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), India's undergraduate medical school entrance exam. The exam, taken by approximately two million students, was scrapped after evidence of leaked question papers emerged. The fallout has been severe, with reports linking about a dozen student suicides to the cancellation.

NEET is a critical gateway to undergraduate medical courses in India, with millions of aspirants competing for fewer than 150,000 seats annually. This intense competition, coupled with widespread exam leaks, underscores the significant strains on India's higher education system. Many students face immense pressure, leading to burnout and debt after months or years of preparation.

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The government is committed to addressing the concerns of the youth and promised exam reforms.

Exam paper leaks are a recurring issue in India, affecting various recruitment and entrance examinations. However, this year's NEET leak has gained particular traction, amplified by the emergence of the "Cockroach Janta Party" satire movement. This group has rapidly garnered millions of followers online, channeling the frustrations of India's youth, who constitute over half the population and face high unemployment rates.

In response, the government has pledged reforms and vowed to punish those responsible for the leaks. Health Minister JP Nadda has met with protesters to discuss their demands, which include compensation for students who died by suicide and the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Despite government assurances, thousands of protesters remain camped in New Delhi, vowing to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.

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We will punish those behind the leaks.