Thousands of students have been gathering at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and in other cities over the past weeks, demanding answers. But the Congress party now says the anger bubbling on the streets is not just about a flawed exam — it’s about a broken promise of affordable education.
Congress’s charge: Exam row was only the spark
On Sunday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh released a statement arguing that the protests are rooted in a deeper crisis. “The Jantar Mantar and other protests in recent weeks have had proximate causes in an unfair and rigged exam system put in place by the deadly duo of Pradhan Mantri and (ex-)Mantri Pradhan,” he said, taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
But Ramesh went further: the “agony, anguish, and anger” of India’s youth, he said, stems from broader concerns about the rising cost of education and its shrinking accessibility.
Household budgets under strain: the data link
The Congress leader pointed to household expenditure trends as evidence. While he did not cite specific numbers in the statement, the party has previously referenced National Sample Survey data showing that education expenses have outpaced income growth for middle and lower-income families. The message is clear: even government exams and college fees are becoming a luxury for many.
For families in small towns and villages, the cost of coaching, application fees, travel for exams, and even hostel rent has turned education into a high-stakes gamble — one that often fails to pay off.
From exam irregularities to existential distress
The immediate trigger for the protests was allegations of paper leaks and cancellation of competitive exams, including the NEET-UG re-exam controversy earlier this year. But what began as a demand for transparency has morphed into a wider outcry over unemployment and unaffordable degrees, say activists present at the protests.
“Students feel cheated twice — first by an unfair system, then by a job market that doesn’t reward their struggle,” said one protestor who did not wish to be named. Congress is now trying to channel that sentiment into a political narrative ahead of upcoming state elections.
Who is affected and why it matters
The distress is not limited to metro cities. Students from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other states with high youth populations have been traveling to Delhi to join the demonstrations. For them, the cost of a single competitive exam — including application, travel, and accommodation — can eat up a substantial portion of a family’s monthly income.
When exams are cancelled or delayed, that money is lost. And when they pass, many find that tuition fees for colleges have doubled in a decade. The emotional toll, say psychologists, is leading to rising anxiety and depression among young Indians.
Official response still awaited
The Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office have not yet responded to Congress’s latest allegations. Earlier, the government defended the examination system, blaming “anti-social elements” for leaks and promising tighter security. But families want more than promises — they want lower fees and more government spending on public education.
A pattern of rising education costs under successive governments
While Congress is accusing the Modi government of worsening the crisis, education costs have been rising for over a decade. Data from the Ministry of Statistics shows that the Consumer Price Index for education rose 115% between 2010 and 2023. Congress, too, was in power for much of that period. The party’s critics are likely to point that out — but for now, the opposition is using the protests to highlight current pain.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed: Congress has formally linked student protests to rising education costs. Jairam Ramesh’s statement is on record. Protests at Jantar Mantar have been ongoing for weeks. Household expenditure on education has increased significantly in the last decade.
Unclear: Whether the government will respond directly to Congress’s charges. Also unclear is whether Congress will offer a concrete policy alternative — such as fee caps or increased public spending — or limit itself to political attacks.
Wider trend: youth dissatisfaction becoming an electoral flashpoint
Across India and globally, young people are pushing back against rising living costs and stagnant wages. In India, the frustration is compounded by an education system that demands ever more money but delivers uncertain returns. Political parties — both ruling and opposition — are taking note. Congress’s statement is a clear attempt to own this issue ahead of the next general election cycle.
Practical guidance for students and parents
For families feeling the pinch, experts suggest exploring state-run colleges, which often have lower fees than private institutions. Scholarship schemes — such as the central sector scholarship and state-level programs — can reduce costs. Parents should also closely track exam and application deadlines to avoid last-minute expenses. Students facing exam irregularities can file complaints with the National Consumer Helpline or approach the relevant exam conducting body.
Future outlook
The Congress’s framing of the protests as a cost-of-living issue could put pressure on the government to announce fee waivers or a new education subsidy. But with elections in several states due next year, the debate is likely to intensify. What began as a narrow exam controversy is now morphing into a broader conversation about how India educates — and fails — its youth.
Our take
Congress has made a strategic move by connecting the immediate exam anger to the structural pain of rising education costs. The party’s language — calling the government a “deadly duo” — is aggressive, but the underlying concern about affordability is real and resonates with millions of households. However, the opposition will need to offer more than criticism. A concrete roadmap for making education cheaper — whether through fee regulation, scholarships, or more public investment — will be necessary to convert this moment into lasting political capital. For now, the students at Jantar Mantar are watching all parties closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Congress linking student protests to education costs?
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the protests are not just about exam irregularities but reflect frustration over rising costs and limited access to education, citing household expenditure trends to back the claim.
What is the “deadly duo” reference in Jairam Ramesh’s statement?
Ramesh referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the “deadly duo”, accusing them of creating a rigged exam system and neglecting education affordability.
What are students demanding at Jantar Mantar?
Students are demanding a fair examination system, action against paper leaks, and lower fees for competitive exams and higher education. The protests began after controversies around NEET-UG and other examinations.
Has the government responded to Congress’s allegations?
As of the latest reports, the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office have not issued a formal response to Congress’s statement linking the protests to education costs.
Is education really becoming more expensive in India?
Government data shows that the Consumer Price Index for education has risen over 115% between 2010 and 2023, with private coaching and college fees growing faster than household incomes for many families.
