Delhi Protests Intensify Over Exam Leak Allegations, Raising Questions Over Education Governance

July 20, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Protests over alleged examination paper leaks in India have intensified in the capital, with students and activists demanding accountability from the government and raising fresh concerns over the country’s education system. The demonstrations, led by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have called for action over alleged irregularities affecting millions of students, including demands for accountability from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protests escalated on July 20 when demonstrators marched towards the Parliament of India to press their demands. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike over the issue, was moved to a hospital by Delhi Police on July 18 after 21 days of fasting, according to Amnesty International India. Rights groups have criticised the authorities’ response to the demonstrations. Aakar Patel, Chair of the Board at Amnesty International India, said reports from the protest indicated that peaceful dissent had been restricted through police measures, including the use of force, barricades and restrictions affecting movement and communication.

“The role of the authorities is to protect and facilitate peaceful protests, not to suppress them,” Patel said, calling for an independent investigation into allegations of excessive use of force. Social media posts and accounts from protesters alleged that police used batons, tear gas and other measures during the demonstrations. Authorities have not publicly responded to all allegations cited by protesters and rights groups.

The unrest follows controversy surrounding India’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate medical admissions (NEET-UG), after allegations of question paper leaks in May 2026 led the examination authority to cancel results and require more than two million students to retake the test, according to Amnesty International. The controversy triggered nationwide anger among students, with local media reporting that some students died by suicide amid pressure linked to examination uncertainty and alleged irregularities.

Protesters are also demanding compensation of INR 1 crore (about 104,050 US dollars) for families of students who died by suicide allegedly following examination-related distress. The demonstrations have placed renewed political pressure on India’s education administration, as questions grow over examination security, accountability mechanisms and the government’s handling of student concerns.

Source: FSX Business News