Jharkhand protest LIVE: Govt. cancels JSSC-CGL exam; Devendra Nath Mahto ends hunger strike
Ravindra Paswan, leader of the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, which has been leading the protest, said the agitation would continue as their key demand of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged examination irregularities had not been met.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren shocked the protesting students by cancelling the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination on Monday (August 18, 2026). The examination cancellation came 24 days after students raised their concerns over irregularities in recruitment exams. Soren said a committee under senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal would be formed to suggest reforms in the examination process.
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto concluded his hunger strike at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, joined by Jharkhand Ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari.
Thousands of students gathered at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi to celebrate the Chief Minister's decision. However, JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch leader Ravindra Paswan maintained that the protest would proceed, emphasizing their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged examination irregularities. Mahto, on a hunger strike for 16 days, expressed his satisfaction with the government's actions, requesting a thorough investigation to apprehend those involved in corruption.
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