NEW DELHI, July 25, 2026 — Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned Saturday after weeks of youth-led demonstrations over examination-paper leaks and allegations of serious weaknesses in the country’s competitive-testing system.
The resignation fulfilled the central demand of the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, which organized demonstrations in New Delhi and other parts of the country. Protest leaders subsequently announced that the movement would end its demonstrations and asked participants to return home peacefully.
Celebrations took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where protesters distributed sweets, raised patriotic slogans and described the resignation as a victory for students.
The protests began after leaked national examination papers forced authorities to conduct a new test affecting approximately two million candidates. Public anger subsequently expanded to include concerns about examination security, administrative accountability and limited employment opportunities for young people.
In addition to seeking Pradhan’s resignation, the movement demanded reforms to the examination system, the withdrawal of police cases filed against demonstrators and assistance for families affected by the controversy.
The government said the protesters’ demands had been accepted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously announced measures including fast-track courts for examination-leak cases and stronger action against those involved in organized cheating networks.
The demonstrations became one of the most serious youth-led political challenges faced by Modi since he became prime minister in 2014. The issue may continue to influence national politics despite the decision to end street protests.
