NEW DELHI, July 24 -- Growing up with a chronically ill mother in a remote village in India, Rema Begum aspired to become a doctor until her dream was cut short by her own tragic death.

After years of studying and costly coaching classes, the 20-year-old believed she had finally done enough to win a coveted seat at a government medical school.

Then came news that the question paper of the medical entrance examination she sat for had been leaked, and a retest was ordered.

Days later, Begum was dead.

She was among at least 20 students who reportedly took their own lives after the incident, according to local media and activists.

The exam paper leak, alongside a string of other irregularities, has fuelled nationwide protests and public ...