Thousands of young protesters gathered in New Delhi beginning Monday to demand accountability and reform in India’s education system, following a series of examination paper leaks and broader concerns about the quality of education and employment prospects. The demonstrations, centered near Jantar Mantar—a historic observatory turned protest site—saw a heavy response from security forces who used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to march toward Parliament.

The protests, largely led by youth and students, were organized in part by the Cockroach Janta Party (C.J.P.), a satirical group that has become a platform for expressing widespread frustrations. According to C.J.P. founder Abhijeet Dipke, the movement intends to continue indefinitely and aims to maintain peaceful demonstrations despite the confrontations. Protesters reported hundreds of injuries; the C.J.P. stated that 150 protesters required hospital treatment on Monday, while Delhi Police said 118 officers were injured during what they described as “violent protests.” Approximately 70 protesters were detained overnight, according to lawyers involved with the demonstrations.

The protests were sparked by a leaked examination paper for a highly competitive entrance exam, which forced millions of students to retake their tests and exacerbated anxieties about an already pressured education system. The C.J.P. has called for the resignation of India’s education minister, holding the government accountable for systemic failures. Activists also cited a tragic toll, reporting at least 21 student suicides linked to the stress from the exam leak.

The government’s response has been limited, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declining to comment directly. However, Kiren Rijiju, the parliamentary affairs minister, acknowledged the significance of youth concerns and promised measures to prevent future paper leaks. Observers note that Modi’s rare indirect response signals an awareness of the political stakes, given that more than 40 percent of India’s population is under 25 years old. Yet, specific demands from the protesters remain largely unaddressed, fueling discontent.

The protesters’ grievances extend beyond examination issues to broader systemic problems, including high youth unemployment and a mismatch between education and job market needs. A recent study by Azim Premji University indicated that around 40 percent of young Indians under 25 are unemployed despite increased access to higher education. Slogans at the demonstrations reflected this wider dissatisfaction with government accountability and the state of India’s democracy.

Clashes with police intensified Monday afternoon, with reports of injuries caused by baton strikes and tear gas exposure. Several protesters described confronting police aggression firsthand, while some participants, including parents, voiced a determination to continue speaking out. Among prominent figures supporting the protests is education activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began a hunger strike and was hospitalized after being forcibly removed by authorities on Saturday. His actions have galvanized many young Indians, highlighting the depth of concern about the country’s education crisis.

By Tuesday, protests resumed despite monsoon rains, with volunteers providing food and medical aid to demonstrators. The government maintained a heavy security presence, and some streets near the protest site remained barricaded, although normal traffic flow returned on major arteries. For many participants, the protests represent a critical stand against perceived neglect of youth issues and a demand for a more responsive and transparent government.