'What was my fault?': How India's exam paper leak ended young lives

Two families reveal the human toll of India's medical entrance examination paper leak.

Candidates queuing up outside an examination centre before appearing for the Karnataka Examinations Authority-conducted written examination for Civil Police Constable recruitment in Kalaburagi on Sunday (August 2). | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI The written examination for recruitment to Civil Police Constable posts, co

While the leak of key exam papers was the trigger for the recent student protest in India, rising unemployment is the real fuel angering Gen Z in the country.

A new anti-paper leak law is now in effect across India. Investigations into exam fraud must now conclude within two months. Trials will be expedited through fast-track courts, aiming for quicker resolutions. Individuals face up to ten years imprisonment and significant fines for paper leaks. Organized rackets will rec

Modi says he forgives protesters who abused him during youth-led demonstrations against exam paper leaks  Dawn

Facing pressure from the youth-led CJP protests, India's government pushed through a bill to combat "paper mafias" leaking exam questions. But opposition lawmakers walked out before the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha.

The new legislation comes after youth-led protests calling for sweeping reforms and forcing minister's resignation

3 min readPatnaUpdated: Jul 31, 2026 04:58 AM IST In a letter to the Director of Medical Education, Bihar, an NMC deputy secretary sought the inquiry following written complaints by Vikash Chandra, a social activist from Patna. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock) The National Medical Commission (NMC) has sought a state-le

The bill, which would increase penalties for leaking exam papers, must now be signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu. The approval, which came after several hours of discussion, followed weeks of mass protests over leaked exam papers

India’s lower house of parliament approved a bill on Wednesday that would toughen penalties for leaking exam papers, after youth-led protests calling for sweeping reforms forced the education minister to resign.