Jharkhand JPSC exam row intensifies: Student leader begins indefinite hunger strike, aspirants demand exam cancellation and CBI probe
PTC Web Desk: The protest against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations has intensified, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahato beginning an indefinite hunger strike in Ranchi. Aspirants are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a thorough investigation into the alleged paper leak and irregularities and major reforms in the state's recruitment process.
The agitation has also received support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), adding momentum to the growing movement.
#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.
He said, "The results of the 14th Preliminary Test (PT) were declared on the 2nd of last… pic.twitter.com/uOfljeOeZH
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026
Mahato launched his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where students have been protesting over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations conducted by the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Addressing the gathering, Mahato said the controversy began after the results of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test were announced last month.
He recalled that students launched their protest on July 5, met the Governor on July 7, staged an effigy-burning protest on July 8, and later submitted evidence to Chief Minister Hemant Soren during a meeting on July 20, which led to official action.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Protests by students over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations continue in Ranchi.
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 — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
Mahato alleged that despite weeks of demonstrations, the state government and the JPSC had failed to address the concerns of aspirants.
He said the government's response had discouraged thousands of students and that he had decided to begin an indefinite fast to strengthen the movement.
According to Mahato, the primary demands include the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test and an investigation into all examinations conducted through the TDPL agency.
He also stated that the hunger strike would continue until the government accepted the demands submitted to the Chief Minister.
Besides seeking cancellation of the examination, students are demanding a complete review of recruitment examinations conducted through TDPL and structural reforms in both the JPSC and JSSC.
Mahato said the movement was not limited to one examination but aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and fairness in future recruitment processes.
The protests have been triggered by allegations of repeated paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and administrative failures in several competitive examinations conducted in Jharkhand.
Students claim that multiple recruitment tests have been compromised, affecting the careers of thousands of job aspirants.
One of the protesters alleged that question papers in examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC have repeatedly been leaked.
Another student said merely taking action after controversies emerge is not enough. She argued that the government acted in the JPSC matter only after an OMR sheet reportedly surfaced publicly.
The protesters are urging the Hemant Soren government to initiate direct talks with students and ensure complete transparency in the recruitment process.
They have also demanded immediate action against examinations linked to the blacklisted TDL company, accountability for those responsible for alleged irregularities and reforms in recruitment agencies.
As part of the ongoing agitation, students also organised a Mashal March in Ranchi.
The agitation entered its fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with hundreds of students continuing their sit-in protest that began on July 29.
Among the key demands are:
Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination held on April 19.
A CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC.
Introduction of a fifth "Not Attempted" option in OMR answer sheets.
Comprehensive reforms in the state's recruitment agencies.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has extended its support to the protesting students. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said he had spoken to the students and backed their demands.
In a post on X, Dipke stated that the party stands with students protesting against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations.
- With inputs from agencies
