What began as a protest against repeated examination scandals has rapidly grown into one of the largest youth-led movements in recent Indian history. Thousands of students gathered in Delhi demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks, education reforms, justice for students affected by examination failures, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On 20 July, tens of thousands of students attempted to march towards Parliament despite restrictions imposed by Delhi Police. Security forces erected barricades and used baton charges (lathi charge), tear gas and detentions to disperse protesters after clashes broke out. Organisers and media reports said more than 100 protesters were injured, while authorities said several police personnel were also hurt during the violence.
The movement has continued to grow rather than fade. By 22 July, thousands of students remained gathered at Jantar Mantar despite heavy police deployment, road closures and restrictions. Volunteers from across India have been supplying food, water and medical assistance to protesters, while demonstrations have spread to other cities.
The protests were initially triggered by allegations of repeated examination paper leaks and demands for a transparent recruitment and examination system. Protest leaders have also called for compensation for families of students who died by suicide after examination-related distress, arguing that repeated failures in the education system have devastated many young lives.
Political pressure has also intensified. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, joined demonstrations and were briefly detained while supporting the students. Parliament witnessed repeated disruptions as opposition parties demanded accountability and the resignation of the Education Minister.
The government has defended police action as necessary to maintain public order and has said it is committed to reforming the examination system. Protesters, however, insist that promises alone are insufficient and have vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete action is taken.