Why are the students protesting in Ranchi? | Explained

Published 6 August 2026 · india

The story so far: The peaceful protest in Ranchi has entered its 13th day on Wednesday (August 6, 2026), after starting on July 25. Hundreds

The story so far: The peaceful protest in Ranchi has entered its 13th day on Wednesday (August 6, 2026), after starting on July 25. Hundreds of students have gathered at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and action against those responsible for alleged irregularities in competitive exams for government jobs in the State, including in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Examination, and the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination, which is also known as Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) exam. The students have asserted that their agitation will continue until the government makes a concrete decision on their demands. The Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the irregularities, having questioned former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte and arrested 19 people so far. The Jharkhand Government has also formed a four-member team to hold talks with the students, who have agreed to engage in talks. However, the government has not yet shared the official date, time or venue for the meeting. A protest march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in Ranchi has been announced for Friday (August 7, 2026) by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), in which its national president Neha Bora will also participate.

What are the demands of the students? The protesters are primarily demanding a CBI inquiry, the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Test and a review of exams conducted by agencies, including TSR Data Processing Private Limited. They also want a ‘not attempted’ option as the fifth choice on OMR sheets, rectification of irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment exams, strict action against those responsible and comprehensive reforms within the JPSC and JSSC. How different is the Ranchi protest in comparison to Jantar Mantar? The Jharkhand Government and State Police have not taken any coercive action against the protesting students in Ranchi, unlike the Jantar Mantar protest, where police used baton charges and tear gas. Jharkhand police have not taken any such action. Every evening, when the protesting students take out candle marches and the Tiranga March, locals, job aspirants, and other people join their march, giving moral support to their demands. What is the stand of the State Government over the students’ protest? Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured the students that all measures will be taken and their concerns will be addressed seriously. The government has also sent a representative to urge students to send a delegation to the Chief Minister’s residence for talks.