Across India and beyond, students have been at the centre of major protests in 2025. From demanding action against harassment to opposing fee hikes, shutdowns, religious restrictions, and administrative
lapses, campuses have seen waves of unrest. Some movements have pushed for transparency, others for safety, equality, or academic fairness.
Many protests also reflect larger political and social debates, showing how deeply student issues are tied to wider national concerns. Here is a look at ten major student-led demonstrations that made headlines this year.
NSU Students Demand Action After Harassment Allegations
A first-year B.Ed student at the National Sanskrit University in Tirupati accused two assistant professors of sexually harassing her, leading to large-scale protests. Student groups demanded their suspension and stronger safety measures. After a formal complaint, both professors, Laxman Kumar and Shekhar Reddy, were arrested, and their phones were sent for forensic analysis. YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy wrote to the NCW and other authorities, stressing that the survivor had faced coercion, threats involving personal photos, and severe mental distress.
Hunger Strike in Mumbai Over Burqa Ban
Female students from Vivek Vidyalaya & Junior College in Goregaon West launched a hunger strike after the college banned burqas on campus. AIMIM Women’s Wing vice-president Jahnara Sheikh joined the protest, saying students were not even allowed inside to discuss the issue. Some demonstrators claimed the ban was never communicated, and others said they were denied a promised meeting with the principal, prompting them to escalate the protest.
Tezpur University Shutdown Over Corruption Allegations
Tezpur University faced a complete shutdown after long-running protests against Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. Students and staff accused him of corruption and mismanagement. When the pro-VC appointment was rejected and the unrest grew, the university invoked the Tezpur University Act, allowing senior professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya to take over as acting VC. All classes and end-term exams were halted as student groups vowed to continue protesting until a formal inquiry began.
Panjab University Students Push for Senate Elections
Panjab University was forced to close after students demanded the long-pending Senate election dates. The administration declared a sudden holiday and postponed exams at multiple centres. This protest came just a day after the university had insisted that November 26 would be a working day, resulting in sharp criticism from students who accused the administration of avoiding accountability.
Controversy Over Admissions at Vaishno Devi Medical College
Major protests erupted in Jammu after 90 per cent of the selected students for the new Vaishnodevi medical college were Muslim and from Kashmir. RSS-backed groups like the VHP and Bajrang Dal demanded the list be scrapped, arguing the college, funded through temple donations, should prioritise Hindu students. However, the college is not a minority institution, and the admission list followed JKBOPEE rules. Demonstrations continued even as several selected candidates completed their admissions.
Kerala Students Oppose Joining PM SHRI Scheme
The Kerala government signed an MoU to join the PM SHRI scheme, despite opposition from CPI. The scheme provides large central grants to selected schools. The AISF, the CPI’s student wing, called the decision a betrayal of Left Front principles and warned of statewide protests. Minister V Sivankutty said Kerala needed to sign the MoU to claim pending central funds worth Rs 1,500 crore.
AMU Students Protest Fee Hike and Demand Rollback
Students at Aligarh Muslim University raised strong objections to a steep fee hike of up to 40 per cent. Protesters argued the increase would severely affect students from poor and marginalised backgrounds. The administration said the hike was approved by committees and was needed for infrastructure. However, student groups said the explanation did little to ease the financial burden on already struggling families.
SSC Aspirants Protest Exam Mismanagement
Thousands of SSC aspirants gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, alleging major mismanagement in the Selection Post Phase 13 exam. Students reported computer failures, server crashes, non-responsive exam portals, and centres located hundreds of kilometres away. Many travelled long distances only to find their exams cancelled on arrival. Teachers and coaching mentors also joined the protest, demanding transparency and immediate reforms.
Ashoka University Students Oppose New Campus Checks
Students at Ashoka University protested new security rules that included pocket checks, vehicle searches, and bans on cigarettes and alcohol. They said these measures were intrusive and introduced without consultation. Over 1,100 people signed a petition against the rules. Students also complained that the new system involved checking the belongings of taxi drivers and visiting family members, calling it an invasion of privacy.
Indian Students in Canada Protest French Exam Requirement
Indian students in Quebec, Canada, protested against mandatory French exams linked to their degrees and eligibility for work permits. They said the rule was unfair, especially since students at major universities like McGill and Concordia were reportedly not held to the same requirement. The protesters clarified they were not against learning French but feared the uncertainty created by Quebec’s Bill 96, which tightened language rules across the province.
