Students and youth in Jharkhand began a protest on July 25 2026 in Ranchi to demand action on alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. The demonstration took place at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and involved sit-ins and hunger strikes. Organizers stated that the protests were independent of political parties and focused on job aspirants and students.
The agitation followed a separate demonstration in Delhi earlier that month. Protesters in Ranchi called for a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into claims of paper leaks and corruption in exams including the 14th JPSC and various JSSC tests. They rejected a state CID probe and expressed dissatisfaction with some administrative changes already made by the government.
By early August 2026 the protest included an indefinite hunger strike by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto. Participants staged marches and maintained pressure on the state government despite some concessions such as the cancellation of certain preliminary examinations and resignations from JPSC members.
Tensions increased on August 10 and 11 when thousands of protesters attempted to approach the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Police responded with lathi charges tear gas and water cannons. Several protesters including Devendra Nath Mahto and Rahul Kranti required hospital treatment after extended fasting and clashes. Security forces maintained operations through the night.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party extended support to the agitation and called a statewide bandh on August 11. The bandh led to road blockades and disruptions in Ranchi and other districts increasing public awareness of the issue.
Throughout the protest organizers maintained that no political leaders were permitted on stage and that the demonstration avoided slogans or actions associated with other recent agitations. Local groups provided food and supplies. The events drew attention from students across the state and generated discussion on examination integrity and recruitment processes.
The government has so far implemented partial measures while the core demand for a CBI investigation remains unresolved. The protest continues with participants emphasizing peaceful methods and specific reforms to the examination system.
