Bihar witnessed dramatic scenes as thousands of students took to the streets over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and government hiring processes. Protesters demanding greater transparency, exam reforms and action against paper leaks broke through police barricades in Patna, prompting authorities to deploy water cannons and detain several demonstrators. Aspirants have raised concerns over recruitment delays, examination irregularities and alleged question-paper leaks, turning the issue into one of the biggest youth protests in the state this year. 


Bihar protests: Demonstrations in Bihar over irregularities in recruitment examinations

In a major relief for thousands of candidates, the Jharkhand High Court has stayed the state government's decision to cancel 22 recruitment examinations and related appointments. The exams, conducted by JPSC and JSSC, were scrapped following CID and SIT investigations into alleged irregularities. Many successful candidates had already joined government service and argued they were punished without being heard. The court's intervention has now put the controversial cancellation order on hold.


Breaking: Jharkhand HC stays government's order cancelling JPSC exams

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended his 16-day hunger strike after the state government agreed to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination and other exams conducted through TDPL. Mahto called the decision a major victory while continuing to push for wider reforms and transparency in recruitment examinations.


Jharkhand students protest: Hemant Soren govt cancels key exams, Devendra Mahto ends 16-day fast

Protesting students against irregularities in the recruitment examinations in Jharkhand are set to hold fresh talks with the State government on Monday (August 17, 2026). This comes with the entry of six agitators on the 24th day of the hunger strike. A day earlier, protesting students burnt the effigies of CM Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, accusing the JMM-Congress alliance of "failing to take concrete action" on their demands. In addition, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto entered the 15th day of his hunger strike on Monday over alleged irregularities, hoping the fresh round of talks with the state government would yield a positive outcome. Mahto has been on hunger strike since August 2.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fssai-crackdown-forces-6-companies-to-withdraw-misleading-labels-and-claims-1786943360522">FSSAI crackdown forces 6 companies to withdraw misleading labels and claims</a><h3>Devendra Nath Mahto warns</h3>He warned that the struggle would continue if the government don't meet the students' expectations. "There is hope and faith. But if the government fails to live up to it, the struggle will continue. I hope the talks satisfy the students," he said. The students are set to sit down with a government delegation at Ranchi's State Guest House at 2 pm on Monday, with officials granting permission for the students to have their legal adviser present during the discussions. Mahto stated that the outcome of the talks should be lasting changes to the education and examination system, ensuring paper leaks, malpractice, and other alleged irregularities don't continue to affect students in the future. The student leader also warned that the planned August 20 protests, including surrounding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence and the Vidhan Sabha, would proceed as planned if the negotiations don't yield a satisfactory result. On his health, Mahto shared that his blood pressure had been running low and he'd been feeling a heaviness in his head, though rest had brought some relief.

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto entered the 15th day of his hunger strike on Monday over alleged irregularities, hoping the fresh round of talks with the state government would yield a positive outcome.

Protesting students against irregularities in the recruitment examinations in Jharkhand are set to hold fresh talks with the State government on Monday (August 17, 2026). This comes with the entry of six agitators on the 24th day of the hunger strike. A day earlier, protesting students burnt the effigies of CM Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, accusing the JMM-Congress alliance of "failing to take concrete action" on their demands. In addition, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto entered the 15th day of his hunger strike on Monday over alleged irregularities, hoping the fresh round of talks with the state government would yield a positive outcome. Mahto has been on hunger strike since August 2. Also read: FSSAI crackdown forces 6 companies to withdraw misleading labels and claims Devendra Nath Mahto warns He warned that the struggle would continue if the government don't meet the students' expectations. "There is hope and faith. But if the government fails to live up to it, the struggle will continue. I hope the talks satisfy the students," he said. The students are set to sit down with a government delegation at Ranchi's State Guest House at 2 pm on Monday, with officials granting permission for the students to have their legal adviser present during the discussions. Mahto stated that the outcome of the talks should be lasting changes to the education and examination system, ensuring paper leaks, malpractice, and other alleged irregularities don't continue to affect students in the future. The student leader also warned that the planned August 20 protests, including surrounding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence and the Vidhan Sabha, would proceed as planned if the negotiations don't yield a satisfactory result. On his health, Mahto shared that his blood pressure had been running low and he'd been feeling a heaviness in his head, though rest had brought some relief.

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto entered the 15th day of his hunger strike on Monday over alleged irregularities, hoping the fresh round of talks with the state government would yield a positive outcome.

Jharkhand protest: Devendra Nath Mahto enters 15 days of hunger strike; Students, state government set for fresh talks

Student protests in Jharkhand are escalating, with protesters announcing plans to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. The students have also announced an August 20 protest outside the Chief Minister's residence, intensifying pressure on the state government.


Jharkhand student protest: Students issue ultimatum to Hemant Soren government 

Imagine you have been preparing for a government job for 3 years and appearing for the different exams, but the paper gets leaked, cancelled or delayed due to some irregularities, at the state level or the central level. This not only drains students' mental well-being but also physical and economical as these exams make aspirants study continuously with no job and no physical activity, always occupied with completing their syllabus for years. The most shocking part comes when the students find that they got 299 marks out of 300 but still could not make it to the result, and those who got fewer marks than the candidates he still able to qualify. So, this is not just an example but a reflection of the destruction of the genuine and poor students' careers who are planning to get either a decent job to bring financial stability for their house or attempting to get a reputed college to accomplish their studies with better infrastructure and good facilities at minimum fees. The anxiety for millions of Indian students no longer begins on exam day, but it starts much earlier. A string of paper leak controversies in recent years, from NEET-UG to state-level recruitment exams, has left aspirants increasingly uncertain about the sanctity of the very systems meant to evaluate them.<h3>Multiple paper leak incidents</h3>The most recent development has been the NEET-UG paper leak incident that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. During the probe of this paper leak, the CBI's chargesheet revealed how subject experts allegedly smuggled exam questions out of the National Testing Agency's own "confidential section", using paper chits, memorised answers, and marked textbook passages. For students who spend years preparing for a single make-or-break exam, revelations like these are more than administrative failures; they strike at the core belief that hard work and merit will be fairly rewarded. Similarly, Students in Jharkhand, especially in Ranchi, have been protesting since July 25, 2026, over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the 14th JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) Preliminary Examination, along with wider concerns about the JSSC CGL and other competitive exams. Students have been staging protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the JPSC, JSSC CGL, and various other competitive exams. Other than Jharkhand, several instances of paper leaks or irregularities have been reported in multiple states in the recent past.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-reveals-digital-trail-behind-neet-ug-2026-paper-leak-through-whatsapp-groups-telegram-chats-and-photos-1786097020958">CBI reveals digital trail behind NEET UG 2026 paper leak through WhatsApp groups, Telegram chats and photos</a><h3>How can paper leak affect students?</h3>Seeing this, students who once witnessed exams as a test of preparation and merit-based entry for jobs or colleges are now increasingly seeing it as a lottery vulnerable to manipulation. Continuous incidents, whether real leaks or rumours circulating on social media, can frequently trigger heightened exam anxiety, disrupted sleep, and a creeping sense of helplessness among aspirants who have no control over systemic lapses. Experts have also noted that this uncertainty can significantly affect the psychology of a child, trapping the mind of a young person in a state of chronic stress, anxiety, self-doubt, dysfunctional sleeping patterns, emotional burnout, and constant concern about falling behind other students. Echoing the concern about the rise in stress and anxiety, SeemaRekha, Founder and Managing Director, Antarmanh Consulting, said, "Competitive examinations are often regarded as a passport for future success; however, the uncertainty involved in the process can significantly affect the psychology of a child. The delays, changes in the pattern of the exams, and an uncertain outcome of the process can trap the mind of a young person in the state of chronic stress, which is characterised by the inability to accept and plan one’s future due to the months and even years of hard work." "It can result in anxiety, self-doubt, dysfunctional sleeping patterns, emotional burnout, and constant concern about falling behind other students. In addition, over time, students may start to internalise these labels, only in accordance with their results in exams, thus creating unnecessary stress when encountering failures. It is vital to realise that parents, teachers, and educational institutions should understand the importance of their mental health alongside academic achievements. Talking, keeping a healthy lifestyle, consulting psychologists, and understanding that one examination is not capable of defining a person's abilities is what can help," she added. Highlighting similar concern, Pratishtha Trivedi Mirza, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Amaha, said, "Every year, I meet students who tell me the hardest part isn’t the exam; it’s not knowing, day after day, whether what they’re doing is even enough. Preparing for competitive exams entails no real way to know if you’re on track, and that not-knowing is exhausting in a way people don’t always recognise. It shows up as disrupted sleep, a shorter temper, and self-worth quietly tied to a rank they haven’t earned yet. We usually ask if a student is preparing hard enough. The better question is whether they have one steady thing to depend on through it all, a routine, a person, a relationship, that stays constant no matter how the preparation is going. Most don’t. Uncertainty is hard to remove, but it gets easier to carry when there is one certainty in a student’s life to come back to." This failure doesn't limit students to only emotional distress but, due to delayed results, re-examinations, and legal battles, also affects admission, scholarships, and career plans. For students from smaller towns and modest financial backgrounds, who often pour their family's limited resources into coaching and preparation — a leak-tainted exam can feel like a betrayal of sacrifice as much as a bureaucratic failure.&nbsp;

A string of paper leak controversies in recent years, from NEET-UG to state-level recruitment exams, has left aspirants increasingly uncertain about the sanctity of the very systems meant to evaluate them.

Imagine you have been preparing for a government job for 3 years and appearing for the different exams, but the paper gets leaked, cancelled or delayed due to some irregularities, at the state level or the central level. This not only drains students' mental well-being but also physical and economical as these exams make aspirants study continuously with no job and no physical activity, always occupied with completing their syllabus for years. The most shocking part comes when the students find that they got 299 marks out of 300 but still could not make it to the result, and those who got fewer marks than the candidates he still able to qualify. So, this is not just an example but a reflection of the destruction of the genuine and poor students' careers who are planning to get either a decent job to bring financial stability for their house or attempting to get a reputed college to accomplish their studies with better infrastructure and good facilities at minimum fees. The anxiety for millions of Indian students no longer begins on exam day, but it starts much earlier. A string of paper leak controversies in recent years, from NEET-UG to state-level recruitment exams, has left aspirants increasingly uncertain about the sanctity of the very systems meant to evaluate them. Multiple paper leak incidents The most recent development has been the NEET-UG paper leak incident that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. During the probe of this paper leak, the CBI's chargesheet revealed how subject experts allegedly smuggled exam questions out of the National Testing Agency's own "confidential section", using paper chits, memorised answers, and marked textbook passages. For students who spend years preparing for a single make-or-break exam, revelations like these are more than administrative failures; they strike at the core belief that hard work and merit will be fairly rewarded. Similarly, Students in Jharkhand, especially in Ranchi, have been protesting since July 25, 2026, over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the 14th JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) Preliminary Examination, along with wider concerns about the JSSC CGL and other competitive exams. Students have been staging protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the JPSC, JSSC CGL, and various other competitive exams. Other than Jharkhand, several instances of paper leaks or irregularities have been reported in multiple states in the recent past. Also read: CBI reveals digital trail behind NEET UG 2026 paper leak through WhatsApp groups, Telegram chats and photos How can paper leak affect students? Seeing this, students who once witnessed exams as a test of preparation and merit-based entry for jobs or colleges are now increasingly seeing it as a lottery vulnerable to manipulation. Continuous incidents, whether real leaks or rumours circulating on social media, can frequently trigger heightened exam anxiety, disrupted sleep, and a creeping sense of helplessness among aspirants who have no control over systemic lapses. Experts have also noted that this uncertainty can significantly affect the psychology of a child, trapping the mind of a young person in a state of chronic stress, anxiety, self-doubt, dysfunctional sleeping patterns, emotional burnout, and constant concern about falling behind other students. Echoing the concern about the rise in stress and anxiety, SeemaRekha, Founder and Managing Director, Antarmanh Consulting, said, "Competitive examinations are often regarded as a passport for future success; however, the uncertainty involved in the process can significantly affect the psychology of a child. The delays, changes in the pattern of the exams, and an uncertain outcome of the process can trap the mind of a young person in the state of chronic stress, which is characterised by the inability to accept and plan one’s future due to the months and even years of hard work." "It can result in anxiety, self-doubt, dysfunctional sleeping patterns, emotional burnout, and constant concern about falling behind other students. In addition, over time, students may start to internalise these labels, only in accordance with their results in exams, thus creating unnecessary stress when encountering failures. It is vital to realise that parents, teachers, and educational institutions should understand the importance of their mental health alongside academic achievements. Talking, keeping a healthy lifestyle, consulting psychologists, and understanding that one examination is not capable of defining a person's abilities is what can help," she added. Highlighting similar concern, Pratishtha Trivedi Mirza, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Amaha, said, "Every year, I meet students who tell me the hardest part isn’t the exam; it’s not knowing, day after day, whether what they’re doing is even enough. Preparing for competitive exams entails no real way to know if you’re on track, and that not-knowing is exhausting in a way people don’t always recognise. It shows up as disrupted sleep, a shorter temper, and self-worth quietly tied to a rank they haven’t earned yet. We usually ask if a student is preparing hard enough. The better question is whether they have one steady thing to depend on through it all, a routine, a person, a relationship, that stays constant no matter how the preparation is going. Most don’t. Uncertainty is hard to remove, but it gets easier to carry when there is one certainty in a student’s life to come back to." This failure doesn't limit students to only emotional distress but, due to delayed results, re-examinations, and legal battles, also affects admission, scholarships, and career plans. For students from smaller towns and modest financial backgrounds, who often pour their family's limited resources into coaching and preparation — a leak-tainted exam can feel like a betrayal of sacrifice as much as a bureaucratic failure.

A string of paper leak controversies in recent years, from NEET-UG to state-level recruitment exams, has left aspirants increasingly uncertain about the sanctity of the very systems meant to evaluate them.

How repeated paper leaks are breaking students before they begin their journey? EXPLAINED

The ongoing student protest over alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand entered its 13th day on Thursday and intensified with the demonstrators now demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. One protester asked if Dharmendra Pradhan can resign, then why can’t Hemant Soren do so in a similar situation.&nbsp;Students on hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi accused the Jharkhand government of failing to address their concerns and claimed that Soren was “unfit to hold office”.“We will remain steadfast until the government accepts our demands. We now demand the chief minister’s resignation, as he is unfit for the post he holds. It has been so long since he returned from Bengaluru, yet he has taken no cognisance of the situation,” a protesting student told news agency ANI.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-chairman-tells-rijiju-to-convey-sentiments-of-opposition-demanding-amit-shah-s-presence-1786020492879">Rajya Sabha chairman tells Rijiju to ‘convey sentiments’ of opposition demanding Amit Shah’s presence</a>&nbsp;Another protester questioned the chief minister’s accountability, saying, “Students have clearly presented their issues. If Dharmendra Pradhan can resign, why can’t Hemant Soren resign?”&nbsp;Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the Union Education Minister last month, following weeks of protests over the alleged NEET-UG exam irregularities.&nbsp;Students protesting over irregularities in the government job recruitment process are incensed over the state government’s inability to address the issue swiftly and efficiently.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-overturns-tarun-tejpal-acquittal-sentences-former-tehelka-editor-to-10-years-in-2013-rape-case-1786009967096">Bombay High Court overturns Tarun Tejpal’s acquittal, sentences former Tehelka editor to 10 years in 2013 rape case</a>&nbsp;One of the several students on hunger strike lashed out at chief minister Hemant Soren for not visiting the protest site and called the JMM supremo “unfit to hold” the highest office in the state.&nbsp;The competitive exam aspirants continuing hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), and JSSC CGL recruitment tests announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met till then.&nbsp;One student protester said, “We remain steadfast until the government accepts our demands. We now demand the chief minister's resignation, as he is unfit for the office he holds. It has been so long since he returned from Bengaluru, yet he has taken no cognisance of the situation.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-s-dipke-denies-political-ambitions-announces-nationwide-kya-bolti-public-campaign-1786020424542">CJP's Dipke denies political ambitions, announces nationwide 'Kya Bolti Public' campaign</a>&nbsp;“Various false rumours are being spread that Devendra Nath Mahato has called off his hunger strike... Sonam Wangchuk urged him to at least drink some water. He only drank water. I want to tell everyone that Devendra Nath has not called off the strike,” the protester said.&nbsp;Students’ spokesperson Piyush Kumar Singh said representatives from the government met the students on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;“State government’s representatives came to talk to us in the afternoon. They offered a meeting with the state government and asked us to send a five-member delegation. We could not decide whether to accept a closed-door meeting or not,” Singh said, adding that the students will soon decide who decide its representatives for the dialogue.

The competitive exam aspirants continuing hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), and JSSC CGL recruitment tests announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met till then.

The ongoing student protest over alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand entered its 13th day on Thursday and intensified with the demonstrators now demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. One protester asked if Dharmendra Pradhan can resign, then why can’t Hemant Soren do so in a similar situation. Students on hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi accused the Jharkhand government of failing to address their concerns and claimed that Soren was “unfit to hold office”. “We will remain steadfast until the government accepts our demands. We now demand the chief minister’s resignation, as he is unfit for the post he holds. It has been so long since he returned from Bengaluru, yet he has taken no cognisance of the situation,” a protesting student told news agency ANI. Also Read: Rajya Sabha chairman tells Rijiju to ‘convey sentiments’ of opposition demanding Amit Shah’s presence Another protester questioned the chief minister’s accountability, saying, “Students have clearly presented their issues. If Dharmendra Pradhan can resign, why can’t Hemant Soren resign?” Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as the Union Education Minister last month, following weeks of protests over the alleged NEET-UG exam irregularities. Students protesting over irregularities in the government job recruitment process are incensed over the state government’s inability to address the issue swiftly and efficiently. Also Read: Bombay High Court overturns Tarun Tejpal’s acquittal, sentences former Tehelka editor to 10 years in 2013 rape case One of the several students on hunger strike lashed out at chief minister Hemant Soren for not visiting the protest site and called the JMM supremo “unfit to hold” the highest office in the state. The competitive exam aspirants continuing hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), and JSSC CGL recruitment tests announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met till then. One student protester said, “We remain steadfast until the government accepts our demands. We now demand the chief minister's resignation, as he is unfit for the office he holds. It has been so long since he returned from Bengaluru, yet he has taken no cognisance of the situation.” Also Read: CJP's Dipke denies political ambitions, announces nationwide 'Kya Bolti Public' campaign “Various false rumours are being spread that Devendra Nath Mahato has called off his hunger strike... Sonam Wangchuk urged him to at least drink some water. He only drank water. I want to tell everyone that Devendra Nath has not called off the strike,” the protester said. Students’ spokesperson Piyush Kumar Singh said representatives from the government met the students on Wednesday afternoon. “State government’s representatives came to talk to us in the afternoon. They offered a meeting with the state government and asked us to send a five-member delegation. We could not decide whether to accept a closed-door meeting or not,” Singh said, adding that the students will soon decide who decide its representatives for the dialogue.

The competitive exam aspirants continuing hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), and JSSC CGL recruitment tests announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met till then.

Jharkhand students on hunger strike demand CM Hemant Soren’s resignation, plan state assembly gherao

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

The NEET examination controversy has triggered fresh political confrontation in New Delhi as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders staged protests demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged exam paper leaks. Several leaders were briefly detained after demonstrating outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the government's position, stating that the Centre is committed to discussing the NEET issue in Parliament while accusing the opposition of politicizing students' concerns. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in the nationwide education reform protests.

NEET row escalates: Opposition protests outside PM Modi’s residence, Centre responds | CJP Protest

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, has issued a gag order on Tuesday (Jul 21) telling students and staff not to participate in political activities or discussions without permission from the administration. The advisory comes as students protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar intensified after the brutal crackdown of Jul 20 Parliament march. In the statement issued by the registrar’s office, IIT Roorkee said that students and employees are “not permitted to make political statements or express opinions through broadcast, print or electronic media.”&nbsp;The university reminded students, employees and other stakeholders that the institute’s primary objective is “to provide for instructions, research and for the advancement of learning, and dissemination of knowledge in engineering, technology, sciences and arts.” It further said, “It is engraved in the notified conduct rules that no student or employee will be allowed to join political discussion or participate in any political activity without prior permission from the institute or make any statement or opinion in any broadcast/telecast or in any print or electronic media in any public utterance which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the institute and the Central Government or any other Organisations or members of the public.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-breaks-silence-on-paper-leaks-amid-growing-neet-protests-calls-for-education-minister-s-resignation-1784614265070">Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest</a>&nbsp;Sonika Srivastava, media cell in-charge at IIT Roorkee, said, “The communication being referred to is an internal advisory circulated among students, faculty and staff at the commencement of each academic session. Similar advisories are routinely issued every year in accordance with the institute’s existing notified conduct rules and do not constitute any new directive or policy. The communication should not be misinterpreted or viewed out of context.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/guru-is-the-indian-education-minister-dharmendra-pradhan-shares-message-on-education-amid-calls-for-his-resignation-1784602204214">'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation</a><h2>What we know about NEET paper leaks and the protests?</h2>The NEET UG paper was leaked after the examination was held in May this year. The re-test was conducted late last month. Since then, several students and their families have demanded greater accountability from teh government. At least 21 students have died by suicide after the paper leak. Scattered demands united under a banner of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which was born as a satirical platform on social media. Its creation was triggered by remarks made by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant who called unemployed youths as “cockroaches” while hearing a case. He later said that his comments were taken out of context. However, CJP members formed a group and began their protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of the Union Education Minister. Days later, activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protesters and started a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;On July 20, thousands gathered at the Jantar Mantar to take part in the Parliament march announced by CJP. However, CJP leaders didn't lead the protests and two spokesperson of the group went to meet Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted their written demands to the minister. They said that the minister assured him that he would get back to them after speaking to higher leadership. However, as crowd swelled, Delhi Police used batons and tear gas to disperse them. Videos shows Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel chasing the protesters and using tear gas shells at several locations around Jantar Mantar. Later, at night, despite the crackdown, the protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar again with CJP's Abhijit Dipke leading them and apologizing for not being able to save the students. Since then, the protests has continued even as Centre has deployed BSF and other para military forces in the area, alongside Delhi police.&nbsp; &nbsp;

IIT Roorkee has issued its routine annual advisory barring students and staff from political activities and public statements without prior permission. The notice comes amid CJP-led protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, has issued a gag order on Tuesday (Jul 21) telling students and staff not to participate in political activities or discussions without permission from the administration. The advisory comes as students protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar intensified after the brutal crackdown of Jul 20 Parliament march. In the statement issued by the registrar’s office, IIT Roorkee said that students and employees are “not permitted to make political statements or express opinions through broadcast, print or electronic media.” The university reminded students, employees and other stakeholders that the institute’s primary objective is “to provide for instructions, research and for the advancement of learning, and dissemination of knowledge in engineering, technology, sciences and arts.” It further said, “It is engraved in the notified conduct rules that no student or employee will be allowed to join political discussion or participate in any political activity without prior permission from the institute or make any statement or opinion in any broadcast/telecast or in any print or electronic media in any public utterance which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the institute and the Central Government or any other Organisations or members of the public.” Also Read: Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest Sonika Srivastava, media cell in-charge at IIT Roorkee, said, “The communication being referred to is an internal advisory circulated among students, faculty and staff at the commencement of each academic session. Similar advisories are routinely issued every year in accordance with the institute’s existing notified conduct rules and do not constitute any new directive or policy. The communication should not be misinterpreted or viewed out of context.” Also Read: 'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation What we know about NEET paper leaks and the protests? The NEET UG paper was leaked after the examination was held in May this year. The re-test was conducted late last month. Since then, several students and their families have demanded greater accountability from teh government. At least 21 students have died by suicide after the paper leak. Scattered demands united under a banner of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which was born as a satirical platform on social media. Its creation was triggered by remarks made by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant who called unemployed youths as “cockroaches” while hearing a case. He later said that his comments were taken out of context. However, CJP members formed a group and began their protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding resignation of the Union Education Minister. Days later, activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protesters and started a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. On July 20, thousands gathered at the Jantar Mantar to take part in the Parliament march announced by CJP. However, CJP leaders didn't lead the protests and two spokesperson of the group went to meet Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted their written demands to the minister. They said that the minister assured him that he would get back to them after speaking to higher leadership. However, as crowd swelled, Delhi Police used batons and tear gas to disperse them. Videos shows Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel chasing the protesters and using tear gas shells at several locations around Jantar Mantar. Later, at night, despite the crackdown, the protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar again with CJP's Abhijit Dipke leading them and apologizing for not being able to save the students. Since then, the protests has continued even as Centre has deployed BSF and other para military forces in the area, alongside Delhi police.

IIT Roorkee has issued its routine annual advisory barring students and staff from political activities and public statements without prior permission. The notice comes amid CJP-led protests demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak

'Not permitted ...': IIT Roorkee issues gag order as students' protest intensifies

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 21) demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation and also said that he must apologise to students for the 'police brutality'. The Congress leader also sought the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah.&nbsp;The Congress MP from Wayanad accused the government of using force against protesting students instead of talking to them and addressing their concerns &nbsp;over the country's education and examination system.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters outside the parliament Gandhi said, &nbsp;"This is much bigger than education. This is students of India saying they have no future in India. This is legitimate. Dharmendra Pradhan, the Home Minister and the Prime Minister, should resign."&nbsp;“An attack on students is an attack on every Indian family. Prime Minister Modi thinks he can escape without giving answers, without facing any consequences - he won't be able to, not at all this time,” he further said. &nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-grants-approval-for-sonam-wangchuk-to-be-moved-to-medanta-hospital-1784622590354">Delhi High Court grants approval for Sonam Wangchuk to be moved to Medanta Hospital</a>&nbsp;Rahul accused the government of not creating job opportunities and closing the doors to few chances available to them like competitive examinations.&nbsp;"The young people of this country do not have opportunities; all the doors are closed; one door is open for competitive exams, which is also destroyed. These students here are complaining not just about the education system but their future," he said.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi's remarks come a day after thousands of protesters supporting the Cockroach Janta Party marched towards Parliament and were confronted security personnel who used batons and tear gas &nbsp;to disperse the demonstrators.<h2>Congress protests outside Modi's residence</h2>&nbsp;The protests have gathered huge from across the country and have become one of the biggest political issues at the moment.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Congress MPs including Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal, are holding a protest outside PM Modi's residence at &nbsp;Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding his resignation.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congress MPs, including Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal, are holding a protest at Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding the Prime Minister&#39;s resignation. (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/DNQ7xr9SxN">pic.twitter.com/DNQ7xr9SxN</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2079510358692446599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Amid the protest Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (PMO), visited the site and briefly spoke to Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;However, it is not clear what was discussed between the two leaders.

Rahul Gandhi accused the government of not creating job opportunities and closing the doors to few chances available to them like competitive examinations.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (July 21) demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation and also said that he must apologise to students for the 'police brutality'. The Congress leader also sought the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah. The Congress MP from Wayanad accused the government of using force against protesting students instead of talking to them and addressing their concerns over the country's education and examination system. Speaking to reporters outside the parliament Gandhi said, "This is much bigger than education. This is students of India saying they have no future in India. This is legitimate. Dharmendra Pradhan, the Home Minister and the Prime Minister, should resign." “An attack on students is an attack on every Indian family. Prime Minister Modi thinks he can escape without giving answers, without facing any consequences - he won't be able to, not at all this time,” he further said. ALSO READ: Delhi High Court grants approval for Sonam Wangchuk to be moved to Medanta Hospital Rahul accused the government of not creating job opportunities and closing the doors to few chances available to them like competitive examinations. "The young people of this country do not have opportunities; all the doors are closed; one door is open for competitive exams, which is also destroyed. These students here are complaining not just about the education system but their future," he said. Rahul Gandhi's remarks come a day after thousands of protesters supporting the Cockroach Janta Party marched towards Parliament and were confronted security personnel who used batons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Congress protests outside Modi's residence The protests have gathered huge from across the country and have become one of the biggest political issues at the moment. Meanwhile, Congress MPs including Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and KC Venugopal, are holding a protest outside PM Modi's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, demanding his resignation.

Rahul Gandhi accused the government of not creating job opportunities and closing the doors to few chances available to them like competitive examinations.

Modi, Amit Shah must resign, says Rahul Gandhi, holds protest outside PM's residence along with several Congress leaders

Students have once again taken to the streets in Bangladesh. Students vandalized the Government Shahid Suhrawardy College in protest against the death of a medical student. A crowd of students entered the Suhrawardy College campus and vandalized 6 vehicles there. Watch to know more!

Bangladesh: Death of Student in Hospital Triggers Demonstrations

The Ministry of Public Administration in Bangladesh has announced that the army has been given executive magistrate powers. Watch to know more.

Bangladesh army gets authority of special executive magistrates

A case was filed against Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for threatening Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr. Yunus and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in a Chattogram court on Sunday.

Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina sued for threatening Dr Yunus, Khaleda Zia

The Manipur government has suspended internet services across the state for five days in response to rising tensions and ongoing student protests. Watch in for more details!

Manipur Violence: Internet services suspended for five days amid student agitation

After a third-year B. Tech student from IIT Guwahati was found dead in his hostel room on Monday, protests erupted across the campus. This was the second such death on the campus in a month. Watch in for more details!

India: Protests erupt at IIT Guwahati after student found dead in his room

#Gravitas | As per reports, Canadian provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island witnessed protests by Indian students and workers. The crux of this crisis lies in the recent policy changes that have reportedly slashed permanent residency nominations in Canada by 25% leaving many students in a precarious position including facing the prospect of deportation.

Indians protest against changes in Canada's immigration policy

The Witness is a WION digital series that will tell you the world's biggest stories from the lens of a common man. In this episode, we decode a scam that starts in India & ends in Canada. We tell you why Indian students are staring at a bleak future in the land of Maple Leaf.

Indian Students in Canada: Broke & Broken| The Witness

Thousands of students around New Zealand skipped their school to join the protest demanding urgent action on climate change. It was led by the Fridays for Future student movement.

WION Climate Tracker | Students in New Zealand take to streets to demand climate change action

Classrooms abuzz with students wearing masks, queues at canteens and roadside eateries, and bustling crowds at nearby metro stations --&nbsp;the Delhi University campus in India's capital New Delhi, came alive on Thursday as students returned to colleges after a gap of almost two years.

The varsity was shut closed in March 2020 owing to the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, the nearest such, swarmed with students as they headed to their colleges located in the north campus, where they were greeted by guards bearing thermal scanners in their hands.

The canteens and roadside eateries were abuzz with activity, bringing cheer to the owners as well as the students many of whom could bond with their friends over a cuppa for the very first time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poland-minister-przydacz-sees-indias-positive-role-amid-ukraine-russia-crisis-454011">Also read |&nbsp;Poland Minister Przydacz sees India's "positive" role amid Ukraine-Russia crisis</a>

As students queued up outside stalls to savour momos, tea, sweet corn and other snacks, business returned to these eateries that had been left cash-strapped owing to the closure of the university. When PTI probed inside the classrooms, most students were seen wearing masks.

Manish Kansal, a teacher at Hindu College, said the students' excitement was quite apparent despite their masked faces.

"We were meeting our students for the first time. They were wearing masks but we could see the excitement in their eyes. Some of the students were even clicking pictures of the college, and the roads and traffic outside," he told PTI.

Gajendra Mohan Thakur, a 26-year-old Campus Law Centre student, said, "I was excited to go back to the campus. The university was shut for around two years and the online mode of study was not efficient enough to substitute the offline mode of education. It is a time to reclaim our lost years."

Kalyanai Harbola, a first-year student, made no attempt to hide her excitement and said the reopening of campus brought her life back on track. We are super excited to join offline classes as it provides a whole new bunch of opportunities and exposure to shape our future, she said.

Earlier this month, several student bodies had held protests demanding the reopening of the campus. The authorities decided to resume the classes after a decline in number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-makes-helmets-and-safety-harnesses-a-must-for-kids-riding-pillion-454019">Also read |&nbsp;India makes helmets and safety harnesses a must for kids riding pillion</a>

While there was a good turnout of students from the national capital, attendance from other states was low, with their numbers only expected to pick up from the next week. Principals, however, said the turnout was better than what they had expected. According to teachers, attendance was higher among second-year students as compared to those from first-year.

However, not everyone was happy with the resumption of offline classes as outstation students complained of a spike in rent at paying guest accommodations. Gauri, a third-year student of English (Honours) from Kerala, said the PG rates have tripled. PG owners are taking advantage of the situation and asking students triple the amount of the actual rent. They are asking for Rs 16,000 for a triple-seater room. This is too much," she said.

Several outstation students PTI spoke to complained they were given too few days to plan their return. I am anxious since we have exams in the next 20 days. We have to sort many things out and also study for exams. This is an additional pressure. Students were asking for hybrid classes but our demand was refused. They said it is not possible, said 24-year-old Aditi Jain, a student of Masters in English.

Watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Is Delhi University being unfair to students?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-is-delhi-university-being-unfair-to-students-421609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another student, 18-year-old Mamatha Rose from Kerala, who looked visibly tired after standing in a long queue at the Vishwavidyalaya Metro station, too shared her grouse. "They earlier informed us that you have to come to Delhi. But two days back they told us you can take online classes. I mean, there is so much mismanagement. We had already booked the tickets and my friend and her father helped us in booking a PG, she said.

"They did not give us enough time to shift. Today, I am unable to attend classes because I need to shift. They should have provided us with accommodation facilities," Rose added.

Even those who managed to find a stay in university hostels are no better off. With many of the hostels under renovation, students are forced to find accommodation elsewhere.

"The hostel allotment is underway but, anyway, seats are limited and students are given hostel rooms on the basis of a merit list so very few students get them," said a student of Kirori Mal College.&nbsp;

Classrooms abuzz with students wearing masks, queues at canteens and roadside eateries, and bustling crowds at nearby metro stations -- the Delhi University campus in India's capital New Delhi, came alive on Thursday as students returned to colleges after a gap of almost two years.

Classrooms abuzz with students wearing masks, queues at canteens and roadside eateries, and bustling crowds at nearby metro stations -- the Delhi University campus in India's capital New Delhi, came alive on Thursday as students returned to colleges after a gap of almost two years. The varsity was shut closed in March 2020 owing to the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station, the nearest such, swarmed with students as they headed to their colleges located in the north campus, where they were greeted by guards bearing thermal scanners in their hands. The canteens and roadside eateries were abuzz with activity, bringing cheer to the owners as well as the students many of whom could bond with their friends over a cuppa for the very first time. Also read | Poland Minister Przydacz sees India's "positive" role amid Ukraine-Russia crisis As students queued up outside stalls to savour momos, tea, sweet corn and other snacks, business returned to these eateries that had been left cash-strapped owing to the closure of the university. When PTI probed inside the classrooms, most students were seen wearing masks. Manish Kansal, a teacher at Hindu College, said the students' excitement was quite apparent despite their masked faces. "We were meeting our students for the first time. They were wearing masks but we could see the excitement in their eyes. Some of the students were even clicking pictures of the college, and the roads and traffic outside," he told PTI. Gajendra Mohan Thakur, a 26-year-old Campus Law Centre student, said, "I was excited to go back to the campus. The university was shut for around two years and the online mode of study was not efficient enough to substitute the offline mode of education. It is a time to reclaim our lost years." Kalyanai Harbola, a first-year student, made no attempt to hide her excitement and said the reopening of campus brought her life back on track. We are super excited to join offline classes as it provides a whole new bunch of opportunities and exposure to shape our future, she said. Earlier this month, several student bodies had held protests demanding the reopening of the campus. The authorities decided to resume the classes after a decline in number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital. Also read | India makes helmets and safety harnesses a must for kids riding pillion While there was a good turnout of students from the national capital, attendance from other states was low, with their numbers only expected to pick up from the next week. Principals, however, said the turnout was better than what they had expected. According to teachers, attendance was higher among second-year students as compared to those from first-year. However, not everyone was happy with the resumption of offline classes as outstation students complained of a spike in rent at paying guest accommodations. Gauri, a third-year student of English (Honours) from Kerala, said the PG rates have tripled. PG owners are taking advantage of the situation and asking students triple the amount of the actual rent. They are asking for Rs 16,000 for a triple-seater room. This is too much," she said. Several outstation students PTI spoke to complained they were given too few days to plan their return. I am anxious since we have exams in the next 20 days. We have to sort many things out and also study for exams. This is an additional pressure. Students were asking for hybrid classes but our demand was refused. They said it is not possible, said 24-year-old Aditi Jain, a student of Masters in English. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Is Delhi University being unfair to students? Another student, 18-year-old Mamatha Rose from Kerala, who looked visibly tired after standing in a long queue at the Vishwavidyalaya Metro station, too shared her grouse. "They earlier informed us that you have to come to Delhi. But two days back they told us you can take online classes. I mean, there is so much mismanagement. We had already booked the tickets and my friend and her father helped us in booking a PG, she said. "They did not give us enough time to shift. Today, I am unable to attend classes because I need to shift. They should have provided us with accommodation facilities," Rose added. Even those who managed to find a stay in university hostels are no better off. With many of the hostels under renovation, students are forced to find accommodation elsewhere. "The hostel allotment is underway but, anyway, seats are limited and students are given hostel rooms on the basis of a merit list so very few students get them," said a student of Kirori Mal College.

Delhi University colleges reopen, students back on campus after two years

Thailand celebrates its Teachers' Day with fresh protests

On June 4, 1989, China declared a war on its own people. Tanks and armed personnel were sent to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The same place where Mao Zedong declared the founding of China back in 1949.

Four decades later, the army marched into the square and targetted innocent protesters.&nbsp;They were demanding a corruption-free government, freedom of the press, political participation and democracy. The movement was massacred.

The cowardly act was carried out under the cover of night. The&nbsp;day changed China forever.&nbsp;It all began on April 15, 1989. Leading reformer and former Communist Party chief Hu Yaobang died on that&nbsp;day. Students poured into Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mourn his death.

Mourners soon became protesters demanding reforms&nbsp;democracy and liberty.

Hu Yaobang's memorial service was held on April 22. At least 50,000 students gathered at the Great Hall of China. They wanted to submit their demands to their government but they were ignored.

A stinging editorial was published in the Communist Party mouthpiece. The People's Daily called the students&nbsp;"planned conspirators". It enraged the students and&nbsp;protests escalated.

There were marches across China. In Beijing and Shanghai&nbsp;thousands of students gathered at Tiananmen Square. They wanted democracy and nothing less.

On May 13, students began a hunger strike and five days into it, some of them began to faint. People across Beijing brought food for&nbsp;the students. More people gathered on the streets to show support.

On May 19, Communist Party chief Zhao Ziyang visited Tiananmen Square along with Premier Li Peng. He urged students to disperse.

They ignored the request and&nbsp;continued camping at Tiananmen Square calling for change. The square soon turned into an island of liberty.

On May 30, students unveiled a 33-ft statue at the square. It was called the goddess of democracy. It was modelled on the Statue of Liberty&nbsp;but free speech did not last.

On June 3 at 9:50 PM, authorities asked people to stay away from Tiananmen Square. No one had a clue what was to follow.

Thousands of soldiers assembled outside Beijing. The lights at Tiananmen square went off. Soon tanks started rolling in and troops marched in from all corners.

The order from the Communist Party was clear-- vacate Tiananmen Square by 6 am. Troops started firing at the unarmed students.

There was gunfire throughout the night. The goddess of democracy was pulled down. The movement was crushed.&nbsp;

No one knows how many students were killed that night. Estimates range from a hundred to a few thousand.

On June 4, 1989, China declared a war on its own people. Tanks and armed personnel were sent to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The same place where Mao Zedong declared the founding of China back in 1949.

On June 4, 1989, China declared a war on its own people. Tanks and armed personnel were sent to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The same place where Mao Zedong declared the founding of China back in 1949. Four decades later, the army marched into the square and targetted innocent protesters. They were demanding a corruption-free government, freedom of the press, political participation and democracy. The movement was massacred. The cowardly act was carried out under the cover of night. The day changed China forever. It all began on April 15, 1989. Leading reformer and former Communist Party chief Hu Yaobang died on that day. Students poured into Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mourn his death. Mourners soon became protesters demanding reforms democracy and liberty. Hu Yaobang's memorial service was held on April 22. At least 50,000 students gathered at the Great Hall of China. They wanted to submit their demands to their government but they were ignored. A stinging editorial was published in the Communist Party mouthpiece. The People's Daily called the students "planned conspirators". It enraged the students and protests escalated. There were marches across China. In Beijing and Shanghai thousands of students gathered at Tiananmen Square. They wanted democracy and nothing less. On May 13, students began a hunger strike and five days into it, some of them began to faint. People across Beijing brought food for the students. More people gathered on the streets to show support. On May 19, Communist Party chief Zhao Ziyang visited Tiananmen Square along with Premier Li Peng. He urged students to disperse. They ignored the request and continued camping at Tiananmen Square calling for change. The square soon turned into an island of liberty. On May 30, students unveiled a 33-ft statue at the square. It was called the goddess of democracy. It was modelled on the Statue of Liberty but free speech did not last. On June 3 at 9:50 PM, authorities asked people to stay away from Tiananmen Square. No one had a clue what was to follow. Thousands of soldiers assembled outside Beijing. The lights at Tiananmen square went off. Soon tanks started rolling in and troops marched in from all corners. The order from the Communist Party was clear-- vacate Tiananmen Square by 6 am. Troops started firing at the unarmed students. There was gunfire throughout the night. The goddess of democracy was pulled down. The movement was crushed. No one knows how many students were killed that night. Estimates range from a hundred to a few thousand.

How Communist Party of China crushed protesters at Tiananmen Square

In India resentment over the amended Citizenship law among certain quarters has culminated into a series of protests. Atleast 20 petitions have been fired in the Supreme Court of India till now. A three-judge bench headed by Justice SA Bobde will hear the petition today.

Supreme Court 3 judge bench to hear CAA petition today

The world is watching the violence that has erupted after the passing of Citizenship Act in Indian Parliament. The reactions received from all over the world are not favourable. A UN agency has termed the new law 'fundamentally discriminatory'. #CAAProtest #CAB #CitizenshipLaw

India's new citizenship law sparks protest, gets global responses

Tens of thousands of university students marched in cities across Bangladesh on Wednesday in one of the biggest protests faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her decade in power.

Students fighting against a controversial policy that sets aside government jobs for special groups have united in mass protests rarely seen on such a scale in Bangladesh.

In Dhaka chanting mobs of students blockaded major roads and swarmed Dhaka University, bringing traffic to a standstill in the congested capital of 15 million.

Police were deployed to the university where clashes in recent days left more than 100 students injured by tear gas and rubber bullets.

"There are more than 5,000 protesters at the DU," a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer told AFP, referring to Bangladesh's most prestigious university.

Police in Savar, northwest of Dhaka, said an estimated 7,000 students had descended on a major highway linking traffic to the capital, causing chaos.

"They completely blockaded the road," police inspector Abdul Awal told AFP.

In Chittagong, the second-largest city, some 4,000 students blocked a railway track and roads, police said.

Protesters also caused disruptions in the major cities of Khulna, Barisal, Kushtia, Comilla, Mymensingh and Gopalganj.

The prime minister told parliament she had instructed her cabinet secretary to review the quota system and try to resolve the situation.

"Why should the people suffer? she said in a speech to parliament as reported by private broadcaster Ntv.

She condemned the violence and said in the past three civil service tests, more than 70 percent of the posts were recruited on merit.

Protests intensified Wednesday after allegations circulated widely on social media of a violent confrontation between a ruling party activist and a student protest leader.

Demonstrators want the share of top government positions set aside for minority groups and the disabled significantly reduced.

They are also particularly irate that 30 percent of government positions are reserved for descendents of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.

The government has promised to review the quota system but that caused a rift among demonstrators, with some accepting the assurance and others rejecting it.

A pro-government faction of the student movement had postponed its protest action but left-leaning groups pledged to keep up the fight.

"These job quotas are discriminatory. We want equal opportunities for all," said protestor Nur Mohammad, who said he missed out on a coveted government job because of the allocation system.

Hasina -- whose father was the architect of the Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan -- has in the past rejected demands to slash the quotas.

Tens of thousands of university students marched in cities across Bangladesh on Wednesday in one of the biggest protests faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her decade in power

Tens of thousands of university students marched in cities across Bangladesh on Wednesday in one of the biggest protests faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her decade in power. Students fighting against a controversial policy that sets aside government jobs for special groups have united in mass protests rarely seen on such a scale in Bangladesh. In Dhaka chanting mobs of students blockaded major roads and swarmed Dhaka University, bringing traffic to a standstill in the congested capital of 15 million. Police were deployed to the university where clashes in recent days left more than 100 students injured by tear gas and rubber bullets. "There are more than 5,000 protesters at the DU," a senior Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer told AFP, referring to Bangladesh's most prestigious university. Police in Savar, northwest of Dhaka, said an estimated 7,000 students had descended on a major highway linking traffic to the capital, causing chaos. "They completely blockaded the road," police inspector Abdul Awal told AFP. In Chittagong, the second-largest city, some 4,000 students blocked a railway track and roads, police said. Protesters also caused disruptions in the major cities of Khulna, Barisal, Kushtia, Comilla, Mymensingh and Gopalganj. The prime minister told parliament she had instructed her cabinet secretary to review the quota system and try to resolve the situation. "Why should the people suffer? she said in a speech to parliament as reported by private broadcaster Ntv. She condemned the violence and said in the past three civil service tests, more than 70 percent of the posts were recruited on merit. Protests intensified Wednesday after allegations circulated widely on social media of a violent confrontation between a ruling party activist and a student protest leader. Demonstrators want the share of top government positions set aside for minority groups and the disabled significantly reduced. They are also particularly irate that 30 percent of government positions are reserved for descendents of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. The government has promised to review the quota system but that caused a rift among demonstrators, with some accepting the assurance and others rejecting it. A pro-government faction of the student movement had postponed its protest action but left-leaning groups pledged to keep up the fight. "These job quotas are discriminatory. We want equal opportunities for all," said protestor Nur Mohammad, who said he missed out on a coveted government job because of the allocation system. Hasina -- whose father was the architect of the Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan -- has in the past rejected demands to slash the quotas.

Tens of thousands rally as Bangladesh job protests spread