Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns over the functioning of India’s education system, arguing that several challenges faced by students are affecting the future of the country’s young generation.
Gandhi has repeatedly highlighted issues surrounding competitive examinations, education costs and opportunities available to young people. In June 2026, he launched a student-focused campaign called Chhatron Ki Goonj, or Students’ Voice, focusing on concerns including examination paper leaks and high fees. The campaign sought to provide students with a platform to raise their concerns and communicate their demands to the government.
One of the major concerns raised by Gandhi is the credibility of examinations. Competitive examinations are an important pathway for millions of Indian students seeking admission to educational institutions and recruitment to government jobs. Allegations of paper leaks or irregularities can create uncertainty among candidates who spend months or years preparing for these examinations.
Gandhi has argued that repeated examination controversies can damage students’ confidence in the system. In July 2026, he also criticised the education system while referring to a large number of reported paper leak cases over the previous decade. His comments were made in the context of a wider political debate over examination security and accountability.
The issue of education costs is another concern highlighted by Gandhi. Rising fees and other expenses can make higher education difficult for students from economically weaker and middle income families. While government institutions continue to provide comparatively affordable options in many cases, the overall cost of education can also include accommodation, books, transport, coaching and examination-related expenses.
Gandhi has therefore called attention to the need for an education system that provides students with affordable access and equal opportunities. His criticism reflects a broader political argument that economic circumstances should not determine whether a young person can pursue higher education or compete successfully in national-level examinations.
The employment outlook for educated young people is another important part of the wider education debate. A degree alone does not always guarantee employment, particularly when academic programmes do not sufficiently match the skills demanded by employers. Recent reports have highlighted concerns about the gap between the number of graduates entering the workforce and the availability of jobs that match their qualifications and skills.
Gandhi has linked education with the broader question of opportunities available to India’s youth. From his perspective, students need an education system that is transparent, affordable and capable of preparing them for employment and future economic challenges.
The Congress leader’s remarks have also come amid growing public discussion about examination integrity. Student protests and demands for greater transparency have increased attention on the way competitive examinations are conducted. In Maharashtra, for example, Gandhi recently expressed support for students protesting over alleged irregularities and a paper leak involving the Maharashtra Public Service Commission examinations. He said such incidents had damaged students’ trust.
At the same time, concerns over education cannot be viewed only through the lens of political criticism. Examination authorities, governments, universities and educational institutions have responsibilities to ensure secure examinations, transparent procedures and effective grievance mechanisms.
India has also introduced education reforms through initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, which seeks to strengthen learning outcomes, skills, research and flexibility in education. The policy framework includes measures aimed at making education more multidisciplinary and improving the connection between learning and future opportunities.
Gandhi’s latest criticism adds to the continuing political debate over whether existing reforms are sufficiently addressing the problems faced by students. His supporters argue that issues such as paper leaks and high fees require stronger government intervention, while the government and its supporters have defended ongoing reforms and measures in the education sector.
The broader challenge remains ensuring that students can pursue education without facing unfair barriers. Examination security, affordability, quality of teaching, skill development and employment opportunities are closely connected to the future of India’s young population.
Gandhi’s comments have therefore placed education and student concerns at the centre of his political outreach. His campaign and statements are expected to keep attention focused on examination transparency, education costs and the ability of the system to provide m