NEW DELHI — The protest at Jantar Mantar entered its third day on Wednesday as an estimated 5,000 students from Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and various coaching hubs across the capital maintained their sit-in, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged paper leak that has compromised multiple competitive examinations.

The demonstrations, which began Monday morning, were triggered by reports that question papers for at least three major examinations — including the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG), a staff selection commission exam, and a Delhi government recruitment test — were leaked and circulated on social media platforms and messaging apps days before the scheduled dates.

What Sparked the Protests

According to student leaders, the first concrete evidence of the leak emerged on July 19 when screenshots of a CUET-UG question paper began circulating on Telegram channels and WhatsApp groups frequented by aspirants. Within hours, similar leaks were reported for the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier-1 exam and the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) recruitment test.

"We have invested years of our lives preparing for these exams. Our parents have spent lakhs on coaching. And then we find out the paper was sold for ₹50,000 on Telegram? This is not just corruption — this is betrayal of an entire generation." — Priya Sharma, 22, CUET aspirant from Rohini

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts CUET, initially denied any breach but later acknowledged "irregularities" at certain test centers. The Staff Selection Commission has remained silent, while the DSSSB has ordered an internal inquiry.

Timeline of Events

July 19, 6:00 AM
First leak reported: CUET-UG question paper screenshots surface on Telegram channels. Students alert NTA helpline.
July 19, 2:00 PM
SSC CGL leak: Similar reports emerge for Staff Selection Commission exam. Hashtag #PaperLeak trends nationally on X (formerly Twitter).
July 20, 10:00 AM
DUSU calls protest: Delhi University Students' Union announces Jantar Mantar sit-in from July 21. AISA, SFI, NSUI extend support.
July 21, 8:00 AM
Protest begins: ~2,000 students gather at Jantar Mantar. Police impose Section 144 in New Delhi district. Metro stations near protest site see restricted entry.
July 21, 6:00 PM
Clashes erupt: Police use water cannons and mild lathi-charge as protesters attempt to march toward Parliament. 12 police personnel, 8 students injured.
July 22, 11:00 AM
Officer removed: Sub-inspector caught on video slapping woman protester. DCP New Delhi orders departmental inquiry. Officer attached to district lines.
July 22, 4:00 PM
Internet suspended: Home Department orders mobile internet suspension in central Delhi areas under Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017.
July 23, 8:00 AM
Day 3 begins: Protesters swell to 5,000+. Political leaders visit site. Centre calls for dialogue. Opposition demands Minister's resignation.

Key Demands

The protesting students, coordinating through a joint action committee of DUSU, AISA, SFI, NSUI, and independent student groups, have presented a five-point charter of demands:

  1. CBI Investigation: A Supreme Court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation probe into all three paper leaks.
  2. Resignation of Education Minister: Moral responsibility for the systemic failure under the Ministry of Education.
  3. Re-examination: Fresh conduct of all compromised exams within 60 days at no additional cost to candidates.
  4. Action Against NTA/SSC Officials: Suspension and investigation of officials responsible for exam security.
  5. Compensation: Financial compensation for aspirants who incurred coaching, travel, and lodging expenses for the compromised exams.

Government Response

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed a press conference Tuesday evening, calling the leaks "unfortunate" and assuring "strictest action." He announced a high-level committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to examine the examination security framework, but stopped short of ordering a CBI probe.

"The government takes these allegations very seriously. We have constituted a committee to recommend foolproof mechanisms for future examinations. But we must also ensure that the academic calendar is not disrupted for lakhs of honest students." — Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister

The Ministry of Home Affairs, meanwhile, has maintained that law and order is a state subject, though central paramilitary forces have been deployed at the protest site. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora said Wednesday there are "no plans for a large-scale crackdown" but security has been "significantly tightened."

Impact on Students

The uncertainty has left lakhs of aspirants in limbo. CUET-UG alone saw 14.9 lakh registrations this year. Many students have traveled from distant states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan — and are now stranded in Delhi with no clarity on exam dates.

"I came from Patna for my CUET exam on July 25. Now I don't know if it will happen, if it will be fair, or when the next date will be. My father spent ₹80,000 on my preparation and travel. Who pays for this?" said Rahul Kumar, a first-generation college aspirant.

What Happens Next

Student leaders have announced they will not vacate Jantar Mantar until a written assurance on the CBI probe is given. An all-party meeting has been proposed for Friday, while the Supreme Court is likely to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking court-monitored investigation on Thursday.

For now, the protest continues — with langar from gurdwaras, medical camps from volunteers, and a growing chorus of students demanding accountability from a system they feel has failed them.