Protests Intensify In Ranchi As JPSC Aspirants Demand Exam Cancellation Over Paper Leak
Protests Intensify In Ranchi As JPSC Aspirants Demand Exam Cancellation Over Paper Leak Published By, Last Updated: August 02, 2026, 22:10 IST The JPSC protest
Protests Intensify In Ranchi As JPSC Aspirants Demand Exam Cancellation Over Paper Leak Published By, Last Updated: August 02, 2026, 22:10 IST The JPSC protest in Ranchi intensified as JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahato began an indefinite hunger strike, with students demanding cancellation of the exam and a CBI probe. Rapid Read Students Intensify Protest, Demand Cancellation and Fair Probe. The agitation over alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination continued to gather momentum on Saturday, with protesters escalating their campaign and demanding cancellation of the examination, structural reforms in JPSC, and a probe by a central investigating agency. The student-led movement, which has been underway in Ranchi for over a week, witnessed a new phase after Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahato launched an indefinite hunger strike. The protest comes despite the state government ordering a CID investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Speaking at the protest site, Mahato said he had met Chief Minister Hemant Soren and placed the students’ demands before the government. While welcoming the CID inquiry, he argued that merely initiating an investigation was insufficient unless the examination itself was cancelled. Mahato said he would continue his fast until the government annuls the examination and undertakes comprehensive reforms in the functioning of the JPSC to restore public confidence in the recruitment process. Students Demand Independent Probe Student groups participating in the protest reiterated their demand for an independent investigation by a central agency such as the CBI, claiming that only an external probe would ensure impartiality and identify those responsible for the alleged irregularities. Several protesters also questioned the role of TSR Data Processing Ltd. (TDPL), the private agency associated with conducting the examination. They alleged that awarding examination work to the company despite its past record has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability.
These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and no judicial finding has yet established wrongdoing by the company. Protest Movement Expands The agitation has increasingly drawn participation aspirants, with protesters maintaining that the issue extends beyond a single examination and reflects broader concerns over the credibility of recruitment processes in Jharkhand. Student leaders have been demanding Cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination. A CBI probe into the alleged irregularities. Comprehensive reforms in JPSC and JSSC recruitment processes. Greater transparency in examinations and evaluation. Accountability for officials and agencies found responsible. The movement has continued through peaceful sit-ins, satyagraha, and now an indefinite hunger strike, with protesters stating that they will not withdraw until their demands are addressed. CID Probe Underway The controversy erupted after allegations of irregularities surfaced in the JPSC preliminary examination results. Following mounting public pressure, the Jharkhand government ordered a CID investigation. In recent weeks, the CID has conducted searches at JPSC offices and premises linked to the examination process, seized electronic records, questioned senior officials, and arrested several individuals associated with the case.
The BriefWire