Hundreds of students persisted in their demonstration in Ranchi on Sunday, August 2, 2026, marking the fifth consecutive day of protests against alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL, and other recruitment tests. The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and a thorough reform of recruitment agencies.
Since July 29, the students have maintained an indefinite sit-in at a stadium, chanting slogans like ‘Order CBI probe in JPSC’, ‘Long live Students Unity’, and ‘Shame on Hemant Soren’. This display of unity underscores their frustrations regarding the examination integrity.
“Paper leaks in JPSC have happened several times. This time, OMR sheets of candidates have been leaked. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered a CID probe, but we are not satisfied,” stated Rahul Kumar Kranti, a JPSC aspirant.
Kranti expressed concerns that previous investigations into the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC)-CGL paper leak had resulted in no substantial actions and voiced fears that the current investigation could also be ‘covered up’ within months.
“We have completely lost faith in the ongoing CID probe. We demand a CBI investigation into all recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC over the past seven years. We also demand the chief minister’s resignation on moral grounds,” he asserted.
The protesters’ demands include the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test, which took place on April 19, and an independent inquiry by central agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), regarding the alleged irregularities in recruitment processes by the JPSC and JSSC.
Furthermore, they are advocating for the introduction of a fifth option of ‘not attempted’ on OMR sheets. Ankit Kumar from Giridih district emphasized, “The careers of thousands of students and aspirants are at stake due to corruption in both agencies. Most of us come from farmers’ families. We only want fair opportunities based on merit.”
Sneha, a tribal student from Ranchi, echoed the sentiments among the protesters, insisting on strict penalties for those implicated in the irregularities and the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination. “I have been preparing for competitive examinations since 2023. But if an equal and fair chance is not given, how can I get a job? I urge CM Soren to listen to our demands,” she expressed.
Adding to the chorus of discontent, Archana Kumari from Palamu stated that the protests will persist until the government addresses their demands and establishes accountability for the alleged irregularities. “The State government is still in a sleeping mode. We are getting support from across the country. People from various cities are sending food items to the protest site. We are thankful to those helping us continue our protest,” remarked Shyam Bihari Gupta, a student from Balumath in Latehar district.
In parallel, thousands of students conducted a torchlight procession in the state capital that evening. The demonstrators, who have been holding their sit-in at the Jaipal Singh Munda stadium, marched towards Albert Ekka Chowk, shouting slogans against the JMM-led alliance government while demanding an impartial investigation into the irregularities affecting the 14th JPSC, JSSC-CGL, and other state-level public recruitment examinations.
They warned that if the state government fails to address their grievances, they plan to march to the Jharkhand Assembly and stage a gherao in the upcoming days. “We have been holding protests, but no government officials have approached us to listen to our concerns on these issues. This clearly shows the insensitivity of this JMM-led alliance government towards the thousands of students and youths of the state,” the protesters concluded.
