Intensified Student Protests in Jharkhand Over Recruitment Exam Irregularities

In Jharkhand, student protests against alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, with leaders accusing the government of attempting to divide their movement. They have set an ultimatum for August 10, planning a massive assembly march if their demands are not met. Key demands include the cancellation of controversial exams, a CBI investigation into fraud, and public disclosure of exam details. The government is set to hold a sixth round of talks with the students to address these issues. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the future of the recruitment process in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 12:10 IST

Escalating Protests Against Recruitment Exam Irregularities

The protests by students against alleged irregularities and fraud in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment exams have intensified. Student leader Ravindra Paswan has accused the state government of attempting to divide the unity among students and mislead them. He has issued a clear ultimatum that if their demands are not met, students from across the state will gather to besiege the assembly on August 10.

Accusations Against the Government

During a press conference, Ravindra Paswan, leader of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum, stated that students have been on continuous protests and hunger strikes for the past 15 days. In the initial round of discussions with government representatives on Friday, students presented their case with substantial evidence and arguments. The government team assured them that their concerns would be communicated to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. However, Paswan claims that the government is trying to fragment the movement by engaging with different organizations separately.

Plans for a Major Assembly March on August 10

Student leaders have urged all youth in Jharkhand to remain united. Leaders Sheetal Tirkey and Ravindra Paswan emphasized that the assembly march on August 10 is expected to be significant and decisive, with an anticipated turnout of 50,000 to 100,000 students from across the state. Meanwhile, Union Minister Sanjay Seth and Jharkhand BJP President Aditya Sahu visited the protesting students at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.

Key Demands of the Students

The students have outlined several key demands to the government, including:
- Immediate cancellation of controversial exams such as the 14th JPSC PT, JSSC CGL, JE, and PGT.
- An impartial CBI investigation into allegations of fraud and paper leaks in the recruitment process.
- Strict legal action against exam mafias and involved agencies.
- Public disclosure of cut-off marks and OMR sheets for all categories (UR, EWS, BC-I, BC-II, SC, ST).
- Comprehensive reforms in the examination system and operational methods of JPSC and JSSC.

Sixth Round of Talks Scheduled

To resolve the examination dispute, the Jharkhand government is set to hold the sixth round of discussions with the protesting students on Sunday. A final decision from the government will follow these talks. The committee formed to engage with the students met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren for about four hours and provided him with a complete report from the previous five meetings. Committee member and Minister Deepika Pandey Singh stated that they have fully updated the Chief Minister on the students' demands and perspectives.