Rahul Gandhi to launch student conventions against exam leaks from Kota on June 17

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will lead a series of student conventions across the country, beginning from Kota on June 17, as the Congress intensifies its campaign over alleged examination irregularities, paper leaks and unemployment.The party announced the first phase of a nationwide outreach programme aimed at mobilising students and young job aspirants on issues affecting millions of youngsters across the country.

According to Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, the campaign will begin in Kota, a major coaching hub, before moving to Allahabad on July 10, Patna on July 11 and Delhi on July 14. The conventions are expected to bring together students, competitive exam aspirants, youth organisations, educators and others affected by recruitment and examination-related controversies.

The Congress said the campaign would focus on concerns arising from repeated paper leak allegations, examination irregularities, rising costs associated with competitive tests and the lack of employment opportunities. The party accused the Centre of failing to ensure a transparent and reliable recruitment and education system.

As part of the exercise, the Congress plans a large-scale outreach drive through its student and youth wings, including the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and the Indian Youth Congress. State and district party units have also been asked to mobilise participation through campus visits, interactions at coaching centres, universities and schools, along with digital campaigns and social media engagement.

The party said the initiative aims to create a platform where students and job aspirants can share their experiences and raise concerns regarding examination failures and recruitment delays. It also intends to build support for greater accountability in the conduct of competitive exams.

Congress leaders said the movement would reiterate several demands previously raised by Rahul, including reforms in the conduct of medical entrance examinations, the removal of examination fees, stricter action against those involved in paper leak networks and accountability for lapses in the examination system.

The party has also been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the government’s alleged failures in handling examination-related issues.

The Congress said it would continue to raise these concerns in Parliament and seek a wider discussion on challenges faced by students and young job seekers. The party also indicated that it would push for legislative measures aimed at strengthening safeguards in the examination and recruitment process.