Young people across the world are taking to the streets in protest. Even educated youth with dreams and aspirations are unable to find jobs and livelihoods. Economic crises, inflation, inequality, and corruption are surrounding and threatening their future. In India too, this anger has reached a serious level. Question paper leaks and irregularities in national-level examinations such as the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) have shattered the hopes of millions of students. Young people are preparing for a nationwide movement through social media campaigns and by forming activist groups such as the “Cockroach Janata Party,” demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. This is not merely an issue related to examinations. It reflects deep frustration among youth over long-term unemployment and governance failures, which is now being expressed through movements like the Cockroach Janata Party.

During 2025–26, Generation Z (Gen Z) movements gained momentum across the world. In countries such as Nepal, Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh, and Kenya, young people came onto the streets to protest against corruption, youth unemployment, and economic inequality. According to reports of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global youth unemployment rate stands at around 12.4 percent. Nearly 260 million young people are without education, employment, or skills training. Women and rural youth are in an even worse situation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are reducing entry-level jobs. The economic recovery after COVID has not reached ordinary people. Rising prices and the lack of employment opportunities are pushing young people into despair.

The situation is even more serious in India. As the country with the world’s largest youth population, India has a great opportunity to benefit from its demographic advantage. However, according to this view, that opportunity is being wasted during the twelve years of Modi’s rule. Official statistics show youth unemployment above 10 percent, while independent estimates place it above 15 percent. The rate is even higher among urban youth and women. Nearly half of engineers, Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates, and undergraduates are unemployed. Hiring in the technology sector has slowed down. AI is reducing entry-level opportunities. Intellectuals and parents are increasingly worried about the future of their children. Educated and financially secure people are migrating abroad in search of employment and opportunities, while poor and middle-class youth remain trapped in frustration and hardship within the country.

Against this backdrop, incidents such as the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) results have pushed the situation further off track. The years of hard work of millions of students appear to have been wasted, and their anger has overflowed. Organizations such as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), and social movements such as the “Cockroach Janata Party” are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This movement has the potential to spread nationwide. It is not merely a problem related to one minister. It reflects what critics describe as a collective failure of the education system and institutions responsible for conducting national examinations. Young people are raising many questions about the performance of the BJP government. The Prime Minister’s silence on these issues is further increasing frustration among the youth.

According to the argument presented by critics, India’s economic conditions have deteriorated significantly during the twelve years of Modi’s rule. The value of the rupee has fallen to unprecedented levels, and there is uncertainty about how much further it may decline. Rising prices, growing poverty, and inflation have made life difficult for ordinary people. A small number of wealthy individuals are prospering, while the rest of the population is increasingly divided along caste and religious lines, creating social fragmentation across the country. Due to unemployment, many young men and women are hesitant to marry. Some young couples are also postponing having children because of economic insecurity. Rural and urban poverty continues to grow. Both central and state governments are failing to create sufficient employment opportunities. Programmes such as “Skill Development,” “Start-up India,” and “Make in India” are seen by critics as producing more publicity than results. Even technology-related jobs are declining, while conditions in the informal sector are becoming increasingly difficult.

The global economy is also facing serious challenges. Economic growth has slowed. Trade tensions, inflation, wars, debt burdens, and energy insecurity are affecting many countries. Young people in developing nations are suffering the most. Through social media, youth are expressing their anger and inspiring one another. The movement in Bangladesh during 2024 became a source of inspiration for young people in other countries. However, authorities continue to function in old ways. Aging political leaders are failing to understand the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation.

If this situation continues, the consequences could be severe. Growing youth despair may lead to greater social instability. India could lose the benefits of its demographic advantage. Governments must take immediate action. The education system should be reformed and the integrity of examinations protected. Real attention must be given to job creation and skill development. Inequality must be reduced and equal opportunities provided. Comprehensive policies are needed to control prices and ensure economic stability. The Prime Minister and government representatives must understand and respond to the concerns of young people. What is needed is not promises, but genuine action.

The future of the youth is at risk. Comments made by the Chief Justice of India, which many perceived as dismissive or sarcastic, have also increased anger and stubbornness among young people. Although he later clarified that such was not his intention, resentment remains. The government’s objective should not be to suppress this movement. It is the responsibility of those in power to address these problems and provide solutions. Otherwise, these movements may become more intense and could lead to broader social change. Governments around the world must listen to the voices of their youth. The challenge before the Indian government is enormous, but it should be transformed into an opportunity.