India's Cockroach movement ends protests after education minister resigns

India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned on Saturday, marking a significant victory for youth protesters who had been demanding that he step down over repeated leaks of examination papers.

He announced his decision on X, saying he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent the ongoing unrest from being exploited by "anti-national forces".

Pradhan also said he respected the aspirations, concerns and legitimate expectations of India's young people.

The protests began after the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance examination paper in May. The exam, taken by more than two million students, was later cancelled after investigators found that questions similar to those in the test had circulated beforehand.

The incident reignited criticism of India's examination system, where paper leaks have repeatedly disrupted recruitment and university entrance tests, affecting millions of candidates.

Modi promises 'foolproof' examination system

Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the controversy for the first time, calling for a "foolproof" public examination system to safeguard students' futures.

According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Modi told lawmakers that the government had acted swiftly after reports of irregularities emerged, resulting in the arrest of 13 people.

He also said a re-examination had been conducted successfully without delaying the announcement of results and stressed that those responsible should be punished while stronger safeguards were introduced to prevent future leaks.

• Modi calls for foolproof exam system in India after youth protests

Cockroach Janta Party leads protest movement

The demonstrations were led by the self-styled Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that rapidly expanded from an online campaign into a nationwide protest.

The group refused to end its demonstrations until Pradhan resigned, arguing that the examination scandal reflected deeper problems within the education system and government accountability.

Alongside the minister's resignation, CJP demanded compensation of 10 million rupees for the families of students who reportedly died by suicide following the paper leak and called for the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Tensions escalated sharply after thousands of students attempted to march towards Parliament in New Delhi earlier in the week. Police responded with baton charges and tear gas after clashes broke out, leaving nearly 180 people injured, including police officers and protesters, according to authorities.

Protest organisers said more than 150 demonstrators required hospital treatment, although those figures could not be independently verified. Police also detained around 70 protesters following the violence.

• India's youth protests escalate as thousands clash with police in New Delhi

Protests continue despite security crackdown

Despite the police action, the movement continued to gain momentum. More than 10,000 people later gathered at Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi, making it one of the largest demonstrations since the protests began.

Police again used tear gas and batons after some protesters allegedly threw stones and plastic bottles.

Authorities tightened security across the capital by deploying paramilitary personnel, restricting internet access and closing numerous Delhi Metro stations in an effort to prevent further unrest.

The unrest quickly became a major political challenge for Modi's government. Opposition parties repeatedly disrupted Parliament's monsoon session and backed calls for Pradhan's resignation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined demonstrations outside Parliament and the Prime Minister's residence, insisting that the minister's resignation was "not negotiable".

The government later held talks with CJP representatives and pledged to consider reforms to India's examination system.

Resignation marks major victory for protesters

Pradhan's resignation came as police once again used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in New Delhi, only hours before protest leaders were due to hold another round of discussions with government ministers.

Thousands of protesters celebrated the announcement, while authorities maintained internet restrictions and closed 18 metro stations across the capital to curb further demonstrations.

Although initially triggered by examination paper leaks, the protests have grown into a broader movement highlighting frustration over unemployment, corruption, transparency and government accountability.

The demonstrations have become one of the most significant political challenges facing Modi's third-term government, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among India's younger generation over both the education system and wider governance issues.

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