Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part G (2024)

The research paper explores Revolution 2020 by Chetan Bhagat through the lens of neoliberalism and moral compromise, focusing on how the novel portrays the disillusionment of Indian youth. Set in the educational and political landscape of Varanasi, the narrative follows Gopal, a young man torn between idealism and corruption, ambition and morality. The paper argues that Bhagat perspective the neoliberal promise of success through merit by showing how systemic corruption and socio-economic disparities compel the protagonist to trade ethics for upward mobility. The love triangle subplot further intensifies the personal cost of such choices. Ultimately, the novel reflects the emotional and ethical fallout of a generation navigating a competitive yet deeply flawed system. This paper examines the psychological and ethical costs of these compromises, arguing that Revolution 2020 reflects the existential struggles of a generation promised opportunity but delivered inequality, thereby exposing the emotional toll of navigating a neoliberal India.