Nationwide Student Protests Planned Over Exam Irregularities and Paper Leaks

In response to widespread anger over exam irregularities and question paper leaks, the NSUI plans a major protest in Patna on August 4. National president Vinod Jakhar has criticized the government's handling of student issues and called for reforms in the education system. He demands compensation for injured students and accountability for police actions against peaceful protesters. The Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee also condemns the violent suppression of student voices, emphasizing the need for a fair investigation and support for students' rights. This protest highlights the ongoing struggle for educational justice in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 20:07 IST

Student Outrage Over Exam Issues

On July 29 in Patna, Vinod Jakhar, the national president of the Indian National Students' Organization (NSUI), expressed that there is significant anger among students across the country regarding issues such as question paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment exams, and the suppression of student voices. He accused the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of attempting to silence students rather than addressing their concerns. Jakhar announced that a large student protest, organized by NSUI, is set to take place in Patna on August 4.

Call for Educational Reforms

During a press conference at the Bihar Pradesh Congress headquarters in Sadakat Ashram, Jakhar stated that students were peacefully protesting for reforms in the education system, a halt to question paper leaks, timely recruitment processes, and the implementation of a recruitment calendar. He condemned the use of water cannons, tear gas, baton charges, and gunfire against peaceful protesters, raising serious questions about the democratic process. Following the incidents, he visited injured students in the hospital, as directed by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Demands for Compensation and Accountability

Jakhar mentioned that Rahul Gandhi had also reached out to the affected students via phone, assuring them of support. He highlighted that many injured students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and their futures have been severely impacted. He demanded that the government provide ₹50 lakh in compensation to all students injured by gunfire and take responsibility for their medical treatment, education, and future.

Concerns Over Police Actions

The NSUI president noted that despite assurances that no action would be taken against students after the protests, numerous students have faced police complaints and arrests. He criticized the treatment of students, including Patna University Student Union President Shantanu Shekhar, as being contrary to democratic values. Jakhar called for strict action against officials responsible for ordering the use of force and gunfire, and for an investigation into the matter to be conducted under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge.

Upcoming Protests Against Educational Issues

Jakhar reiterated that a significant student protest led by NSUI is scheduled for August 4 in Patna, aimed at addressing issues such as question paper leaks, privatization of education, unemployment, and legal actions against students. Rajesh Ram, president of the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee, accused the authorities of violating democratic values and human rights through the use of force against peaceful student protests from Delhi to Bihar. He condemned the violent incidents against students who were peacefully voicing their demands.

Support for Student Rights

Ram further alleged that there was an attack on the Bihar Pradesh Congress headquarters in Sadakat Ashram when students raised their voices. Despite applications for filing complaints, no action has been taken, raising serious concerns about law and order. He claimed that one injured student belonged to a Scheduled Tribe family and aspired to serve the nation through the Agniveer recruitment process. Ram affirmed that the Congress Party stands firmly with students in defending their rights and democratic values, demanding a fair investigation, strict action against the guilty, and the withdrawal of cases against students.