India exam leak protests continued on Tuesday as thousands of students and job seekers returned to the streets of New Delhi. Demonstrators rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises to punish those responsible and strengthen the country’s examination system.
The renewed protests followed violent clashes between demonstrators and police on Monday. As a result, the examination scandal has become one of the biggest political challenges facing Modi’s government.
India Exam Leak Protests Resume in Delhi
More than 5,000 students and job seekers gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
They demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters accused the government of failing to prevent repeated examination paper leaks.
The controversy began after criminals allegedly obtained and distributed question papers for a national medical entrance examination. Nearly two million candidates took the test, triggering widespread anger after the leak emerged.
Modi Responds to Growing Anger
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the controversy publicly for the first time.
He promised strict punishment for anyone involved in the examination scandal. He also pledged to strengthen examination security and restore confidence in the system.
Government officials said Modi emphasised the importance of protecting students’ futures. He also pointed to the fresh examination that authorities organised after cancelling the original test.
Protests Turn Violent in Delhi
Monday’s demonstrations ended in clashes between protesters and police.
Delhi Police reported that nearly 180 people were injured, including officers and demonstrators.
Police accused protesters of violating security restrictions and behaving aggressively. However, protest organisers rejected those allegations.
Organisers claimed that police used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. They also said more than 150 protesters required medical treatment after the clashes.
Opposition Leaders Join the Protests
Opposition parties have also backed the demonstrations.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other party workers staged a protest outside Prime Minister Modi’s residence.
Police briefly detained the group before releasing them.
Television footage showed Rahul Gandhi sitting on the road as officers escorted him toward a police vehicle. The Congress Party accused the government of suppressing peaceful demonstrations instead of addressing students’ concerns.
Protests Continue Across India
Protest organisers confirmed that demonstrations will continue in different parts of India.
However, they decided against another march toward Parliament to reduce the possibility of further clashes.
Instead, protesters plan to maintain pressure on the government by demanding stronger action against those responsible for the paper leak.
They are also calling for:
- Greater transparency in national examinations.
- Fair recruitment processes.
- Stronger protection against paper leaks.
- Accountability from senior officials.
Youth Anger Puts Pressure on Government
The demonstrations reflect growing frustration among young Indians over repeated examination scandals and limited employment opportunities.
As the India exam leak protests continue, the government faces increasing pressure to restore confidence in the country’s education and recruitment systems.
Authorities must now balance stronger examination security with the protesters’ demands for accountability and the right to peaceful demonstrations.
