Student protests in Jharkhand have intensified this week over alleged paper leaks in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the exam irregularities.
Protestors' Demands and Allegations
The unrest began on July 2, 2026 , when JPSC released exam results. The results excluded category-wise cutoffs and official OMR sheets. A viral social media post showed a candidate passing with only 48 out of 100 correct answers, sparking outrage over alleged leaks and result manipulation.
Students claim exam paper envelope seals were broken at multiple JPSC centers before the examination. Devendra Nath Mahato began an indefinite hunger strike on August 2, 2026 , at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to escalate demands.
Protestors are calling for the cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary exams. They also demand a review of all exams conducted by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL).
Government Response and Investigations
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren met with protestors. The government formed an 11-member delegation. This group includes 8 students, 2 technical experts, and 1 lawyer.
Following investigations by the CID, 14 individuals were arrested. Raids were conducted across Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Dhanbad. The JPSC has postponed its entire 2026 examination calendar due to the ongoing investigation.
Context and Past Incidents
Organizers state protests are fueled by recent national exam leak controversies. These include protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar concerning the NEET exam. Protesters demand transparency. They refuse closed-door discussions and have hinted at further action if demands are not met.
This controversy adds to recurring allegations against Jharkhand's recruitment bodies. A 2024 JSSC paper leak led to the cancellation of a Combined Graduate Level exam. Similar paper leak claims at JPSC centers occurred in 2024.
Recent Protest Actions
On August 7, 2026 , ink was thrown at Neha Bora, president of the All India Students Association, during a protest in Ranchi. Bora stated, "On July 20th , tear gas shells were thrown at us, pellet guns were used against us. When we did not get scared, then what can this ordinary ink do to us?"
