JPSC, E20, anti-reservation: The issues India is talking about

India witnessed Gen Z turning their attention to exam reforms in July 2026, as students forced the country to listen. While exam paper leaks and student protests were not new, a remark about cockroaches turned into a meme, leading to the Cockroach Janata Party and a nationwide movement. The focus now shifts to Jharkhand, where students demand accountability over JPSC-JSSC exam irregularities.

A controversial policy, E20, has sparked debate over mileage, older vehicle compatibility, and the government's adherence to the phased roadmap set by NITI Aayog. Union minister Nitin Gadkari's resignation has been called for, with leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi also raising concerns.

The job crisis in India is particularly severe among educated young people. Graduate unemployment among those under 25 remains close to 40%, with youth unemployment reaching 16.2% in June 2026. The tax burden on common people has also become a point of contention, with concerns over the lack of tax benefits for salaried individuals.

Anti-reservation activists have gained significant support on social media, advocating for income-based reservation, separate reservations for each family, and minimizing caste-based reservations.