Now Reading: NEET anger rooted in joblessness, not just exam leaks
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NEET anger rooted in joblessness, not just exam leaks
Analysis in Economic Times and National Herald argues that recent student protests over the NEET paper leak reflect deep job anxiety, not just exam mismanagement. Youth unemployment stands at 9.9 per cent…
The Story in Brief
Analysis in Economic Times and National Herald argues that recent student protests over the NEET paper leak reflect deep job anxiety, not just exam mismanagement. Youth unemployment stands at 9.9 per cent in 2025, and graduate entry-level salaries have fallen in real terms since 2011. Millions spend years in the ‘waiting room’ of competitive exams because government jobs offer rare security.
Meanwhile, India Inc has stayed silent despite having benefited from precarious gig work and low-cost internships. Platform workers face rigid app controls, while companies avoid formal employment. The National Herald notes agriculture still employs 46 per cent of workers though it generates only a sixth of output.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that these protests are mainly about exam leaks misses the point. The real anger is over a job market where degrees don't guarantee stable livelihoods. India Inc cannot claim to care about skill gaps while profiting from exploitative intern and gig models. The test to watch: will any major employer publicly support the platform-work ILO convention or fair-wage legislation?
Sources (2): economictimes.indiatimes.com, nationalheraldindia.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
