NEW DELHI—Student-led protests over examination issues continued at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, with demonstrators maintaining a sit-in and renewing calls for accountability over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), despite heightened security and transport restrictions across parts of the capital.
The demonstrations, which have grown into one of the largest youth-led protest movements in recent years, have drawn students, activists and opposition politicians demanding reforms to India's examination system, action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government has rejected demands for the minister's resignation but has pledged reforms and a parliamentary discussion on the issue.
Authorities maintained a heavy police presence around Jantar Mantar after clashes earlier this week during a march toward Parliament. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said multiple stations near the protest site remained closed because of security concerns, while police continued to regulate access to central Delhi.
Protest organizers said participants intended to continue their sit-in, describing the movement as peaceful despite earlier confrontations with police. Delhi Police has defended its actions as necessary to maintain law and order, while rights groups and legal organizations have called for an independent inquiry into allegations of excessive force during previous demonstrations. Amnesty International and two prominent bar associations have urged authorities to investigate reported use of force and safeguard the right to peaceful assembly.
The protests were triggered after authorities canceled the NEET undergraduate medical entrance examination following allegations of a question paper leak, affecting about two million candidates. The controversy has intensified broader concerns among young people over examination integrity, educational opportunities and employment prospects, according to analysts and protest participants.
Opposition lawmakers continued to press the government over the issue in Parliament, arguing that repeated examination controversies have undermined public confidence in the recruitment and admissions process. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has said those responsible for wrongdoing will be held accountable and that measures are being introduced to strengthen examination security.
As of Wednesday, protesters remained gathered at Jantar Mantar under tight security, with organizers saying demonstrations would continue while the government maintained that reforms and parliamentary debate would address students' concerns.
