An AFP journalist witnessed riot police in blue protective gear charging at protesters near the Jantar Mantar protest site, forcing demonstrators to flee.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a series of controversies, including question paper leaks and technical problems in national examinations.
"We want the government to hear us, not silence us," said 19-year-old student KM Gulshan.
The latest demonstrations follow the hospitalisation of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday, ending his 21-day hunger strike in support of students and the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement.
Launched in May, the CJP has attracted millions of followers on social media by tapping into growing public frustration over India s education system, examination scandals and rising youth unemployment.
"Nothing will stop the cockroaches today!" the CJP posted on X, sharing videos of supporters pushing through heavy rain and police barricades.
Despite India s rapid economic growth, millions of young people continue to struggle to secure stable and well-paying jobs, fuelling widespread dissatisfaction.
The protests gained momentum after authorities ordered a re-examination for around 2.2 million medical students following the cancellation of an entrance test due to a question paper leak.
The controversy was compounded by another scandal involving the online marking system for examinations taken by nearly two million high school students.
Authorities also suspended internet services in parts of central New Delhi on Monday, while police said organisers had not obtained permission to hold the protest.
"Any person violating these prohibitory orders shall be liable for prosecution," Delhi Police said in a statement.
Sixteen-year-old protester Shubhi Rao said she joined the demonstration to support Wangchuk and demand accountability from the government.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown himself as someone who isn t bothered about the youth of this country," she told AFP.
