Protests Intensify Over Alleged Irregularities in Jharkhand Recruitment Exams

Protests in Jharkhand against alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, with Rahul Gandhi reaching out to student leaders to offer support. The demonstrators are demanding the cancellation of the JPSC civil service exam and an independent investigation into the alleged misconduct. As the movement enters its 13th day, student leaders emphasize the need for reforms within the recruitment commissions. The BJP has criticized the Congress for seeking political advantage from the situation, while students form a delegation to negotiate with the government. This protest has become one of the largest student-led movements in recent years.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 7, 2026, 09:15 IST

Growing Movement Against Recruitment Exam Irregularities

In Jharkhand, the ongoing protests against alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) have gained momentum. On the 13th day of this student-led demonstration, Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, reached out to the protesting youth via phone, assuring them of his support in their struggle. It is noteworthy that the Congress party is a key ally in the ruling coalition led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in the state.

Rahul Gandhi's Assurance to Protesters

Student leader Ravindra Paswan reported that during the phone conversation on Thursday evening, Rahul Gandhi requested the protesters to send details of their demands and assured them that he would discuss their issues with the state government. The demonstrators are calling for the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) civil service examination and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. They demand that this investigation be conducted either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired judges from outside the state.

Call for Reforms and Ongoing Hunger Strikes

The protesters are also advocating for comprehensive reforms within the JPSC and JSSC. Currently, six protesters are on a hunger strike. This student-led movement has marked its 13th day of protests on Thursday. Paswan informed reporters about his conversation with Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the situation on the ground, particularly the flourishing of examination mafias. He urged Gandhi to clarify the Congress party's stance on this issue, given that they are part of the ruling coalition.

Political Reactions to the Protests

In response to Rahul Gandhi's phone call, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev accused the Congress leader of seeking political gain from the situation. He questioned whether the Congress truly wanted a resolution, pointing out that their coalition government includes four ministers, yet none have visited the protest site. Additionally, senior Congress leader K. Raju visited the Chief Minister's residence, located just a kilometer from the protest site, but did not find it necessary to meet with the students.

In an effort to break the deadlock, the protesting students and job aspirants have formed an 11-member delegation to engage in discussions with the government. This protest, initiated under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum, has emerged as one of the largest student-led movements in the state in recent years.