- By Surarika Das
- Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:27 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Jharkhand job aspirants protest JPSC, JSSC exam irregularities statewide.
- Student leaders demand CBI probe, exam cancellations, recruitment reforms.
- Agitation intensifies, march to Vidhan Sabha planned for August 6.
Jharkhand Protest: An agitation that started from a small gathering at Ranchi soon transitioned into a statewide protest demanding transparency and investigation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment exams. Mirroring the recent Cockroach Janata Party’s Jantar Mantar protest for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Jharkhand protestors are demanding a thorough probe into the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) controversy and wider reforms in the state’s recruitment system.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato sat on an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in protest against irregularities in competitive exams.
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026
He said, "The results of the 14th Preliminary Test (PT) were declared on the 2nd of last… pic.twitter.com/uOfljeOeZH
On Sunday, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahato started a hunger strike at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, questioning the state government on the alleged discrepancies in the JPSC and JSSC CGL and other examinations in Jharkhand. The student leader also demanded the cancellation of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission Combined Services Examination (JPSC) and to monitor the examinations taken by the TDPL agencies. CJP Founder Abhijit Dipke, on Sunday, extended his support to the protestors, saying, "Spoke to the students who are protesting in Jharkhand over irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams. The CJP stands with all the students in Jharkhand and supports their demands."
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Protests by students over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations continue in Ranchi.
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Ashutosh spoke to the protesting aspirants over a phone call to extend support and discuss the ongoing issues regarding… pic.twitter.com/ILqyozAXqa
What Led To The Protest?
The protest traces roots to the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination, whose preliminary results raised questions over OMR sheets, the examination agency, and the approval process.
The Central Investigative Department (CID) subsequently searched the JPSC office and premises linked to the agency conducting the examinations. The investigative officials then arrested 11 people linked to the case. Additionally, JPSC Chairman Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte also resigned amid the investigation, while the civil services main examination scheduled for July 25 to 27 was postponed.
This is not an isolated case; the student protestors are demanding transparency regarding the examinations, raising questions on leaked papers, delayed results, postponed examinations, and evaluation disputes.
What Are Their Demands?
Student leader Dinbandhu Mahato and JLKM leader Devendra Mahato at the Bapu Vatika have been demanding a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation rather than only by the state CID. They argue that an independent probe is necessary to uncover the entire network and hold those responsible accountable.
The students had also demanded stringent punishment for those responsible, time-bound recruitment, cancellation of compromised examinations, and greater transparency in future appointments. The students maintain that their movement is apolitical and neither supports nor opposes any party.
The agitation, which initially started with 50 to 60 protestors, soon spread across Jharkhand. A huge number of government job aspirants were affected by the irregularities in the examination machinery of the state.
A Special Branch communication dated July 28 warned that the agitation could intensify during the Assembly’s Monsoon Session. Hundreds of aspirants are expected to march to the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on August 6. Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and the Railway Police have consequently been placed on alert.
