Hundreds of students in Jharkhand continued their protest for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests. They demanded a CBI probe into the alleged lapses and reforms in the state’s recruitment agencies.
The protesters have been holding an indefinite sit-in at a stadium in Ranchi since July 29. They are seeking cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19, an independent probe by central agencies including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate, and the introduction of a fifth option of ‘not attempted’ in OMR sheets.
During the protest, students raised slogans such as ‘Order CBI probe in JPSC’, ‘Long live Students Unity’ and ‘Shame on Hemant Soren’.
JPSC aspirant Rahul Kumar Kranti said, “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.” He alleged that earlier probes into the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission CGL paper leak had not led to action and claimed that the latest investigation could also be “covered up” after a few months.
Kranti said, “We have completely lost faith in the ongoing CID probe. We demand a CBI probe 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.”
Ankit Kumar from Giridih district said, “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, said the protesters wanted strict punishment for those involved in the alleged irregularities and 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 said.
Archana Kumari from Palamu said the protesters would continue their agitation until the government addressed their demands and fixed accountability for the alleged irregularities. Shyam Bihari Gupta, a student from Balumath in Latehar district, said, “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.”
The protest remained focused on demands for cancellation of the April 19 test, a wider independent investigation and changes in the recruitment process.
– Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 2, 2026 20:24 IST
