Jharkhand students’ protest over job exam ‘anomalies’ enters 20th day

Protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered their 20th day on Thursday (August 13, 2026), with students refusing to cease their demonstrations until their demands are addressed. The 'JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch' has been demonstrating at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, pushing for increased transparency in recruitment exams, cancellation of several tests, and an independent probe by CBI or a panel of retired judges from outside the state.

Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das threatened a hunger strike if the CBI probe was not initiated within a week, while the ABVP announced protests at over 1,200 universities related to the issue. Das also demanded compensation of ₹1 crore each for the families of 19 individuals who died during the 2024 excise constable physical examination.

The ABVP questioned the credibility of the state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the irregularities, citing changes in its composition. The BJP accused the Hemant Soren government of suppressing the movement, while the Congress claimed that the saffron party was politicizing the students' agitation, alleging that outsiders were brought in to disrupt the protests.

Tensions escalated after a confrontation with police during a march to the assembly on Monday (August 10), leading to the use of batons, water cannons, and tear gas by security personnel. The BJP subsequently observed a statewide bandh over the police action. JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, on a hunger strike and in hospital treatment, sought permission to return to the protest site, stating his "soul" remained with the students' movement.

Four other students on hunger strike were also receiving medical care. Six rounds of talks between the government and student representatives had failed to resolve the impasse. Chief Minister Hemant Soren maintained that his government was committed to recruitment exam reforms, assuring protesters that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled, while accusing the BJP of using the agitation for political gains.