Ranchi Student Protests Over JPSC and JSSC Exam Irregularities Enter Fifth Day

Protests by hundreds of students over alleged irregularities in public recruitment examinations in Jharkhand entered their fifth consecutive day in Ranchi on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Demonstrators are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and comprehensive reforms within the state recruitment agencies.

What Happened

Students have been holding an indefinite sit-in at the Jaipal Singh Munda stadium since July 29, protesting against alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, the JSSC-CGL, and other recruitment tests. On Sunday evening, thousands of demonstrators organized a torchlight procession, marching from the stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk while raising slogans against the JMM-led alliance government.

Protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s response. While Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered a probe by the Crime Investigation Department (CID), candidates stated they have lost faith in the ongoing investigation, alleging that previous probes into paper leaks yielded no action. Aspirants reported that OMR sheets were leaked during the recent JPSC exam, and demanded the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test conducted on April 19.

Key Highlights

• Protesters are demanding a CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into all recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC over the past seven years.
• Demonstrators called for the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren on moral grounds.
• Key demands include the introduction of a fifth option (‘not attempted’) on OMR sheets and strict punishment for those involved in irregularities.
• Students noted that no government officials had approached them to address their concerns during the five days of protests.
• Public support has extended across cities, with supporters sending food items to the stadium sit-in site.

Why This Matters

The situation directly impacts thousands of competitive exam aspirants across Jharkhand, many of whom come from farming families and have been preparing since 2023. Candidates emphasize that without a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process, their career prospects remain severely compromised.

What to Watch Next

Protesters stated that if the state government fails to address their demands, they will march to the Jharkhand Assembly and stage a gherao within the next couple of days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main demands of the protesting students?

Students are demanding a CBI and ED probe into all JPSC and JSSC exams held over the past seven years, cancellation of the April 19 JPSC preliminary test, recruitment agency reforms, addition of a ‘not attempted’ option on OMR sheets, strict punishment for those responsible, and the Chief Minister’s resignation.

What step has the Jharkhand government taken?

Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered a CID investigation into the matter, though the protesting students have rejected this probe as unsatisfactory and requested an independent investigation by central agencies.

Source: Information reported by The Hindu.