India's youth unemployment crisis has escalated, revealing the struggles of a generation of graduates unable to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The immediate catalyst for recent protests was a leaked medical entrance exam paper, which led to widespread demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth movement leveraging social media.
Economists note that these protests reflect broader frustrations over the lack of job opportunities, with nearly 40% of graduates aged 15 to 25 unemployed. The competition for a limited number of secure jobs has intensified, with applications for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) rising by 50% from 2019 to 2026.
The protests have drawn attention to the Modi government's failure to create enough jobs to match the growing number of graduates, as only 2.8 million of the 5 million graduates produced annually find employment.
The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the appointment of a new minister, along with plans to reform the education system, indicate the government's recognition of the urgency of the situation. However, the underlying issues of job creation and economic transformation remain significant challenges that could impact Modi's political support among young voters