Ranchi, August 10, 2026: The protest by students and youth over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified on Monday as thousands of demonstrators marched towards the state Assembly in Ranchi, demanding action over the JPSC and JSSC examination process.
The protest, which has continued for around two weeks, saw students attempting to move through multiple security barricades set up around the Vidhan Sabha. Police used water cannons and tear gas during the day as security personnel tried to prevent the protesters from reaching the Assembly.
Students Reach Assembly Gates After Day-Long Protest
The march began at around 10:30 am, with students arriving from different parts of Jharkhand. Despite heavy security arrangements, protesters crossed several barricades and continued towards the Assembly.
By the evening, protesters reached the gates of the state Assembly after the day’s legislative proceedings had already been adjourned. Police subsequently appealed to the demonstrators to return to their homes following the end of the Assembly session.
Devendra Nath Mahato, who has been leading the agitation and has been on hunger strike for 10 days, was among those associated with the march. Protesters also formed human chains with the help of volunteers as they attempted to advance towards the Assembly.
Reports from the protest site indicated that at least one youth suffered a head injury during the police action.
Police Respond to Crowd at Multiple Barricades
The administration deployed Jharkhand Police, Jharkhand Armed Police and the Special Action Team in the area surrounding the Assembly. Surveillance drones were also used amid heightened security arrangements.
Restrictions preventing gatherings of more than four people were enforced within a 750-metre radius of the Assembly. Security personnel were positioned around 500 metres from the Assembly premises as authorities attempted to control the movement of the protesters.
Ranchi police said force was used to disperse the large gathering. However, Ranchi City Deputy Superintendent of Police Ajay Aryan reportedly described the action as “reactionary” rather than a lathi charge.
The police response became a major point of contention as protesters accused the administration of using excessive force to stop their march.
Rahul Gandhi Condemns Police Action
The police action also drew political reactions. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the use of force against the protesting students.
Gandhi said students have the right to peaceful protest and argued that dialogue was the appropriate way to resolve their concerns. He later issued a message to students reiterating that violence should not be used to stop a peaceful demonstration.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge also commented on student protests in Jharkhand and other states, describing them as a reflection of discontent among young people and stressing the importance of dialogue.
Jharkhand minister Deepika Singh, meanwhile, said the administration was taking necessary measures to maintain law and order. She also maintained that discussions with the protesting students had taken place and that communication channels remained open.
What Are Jharkhand Students Demanding?
The central issue behind the agitation is the demand for an investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in Jharkhand.
Among the major demands is a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities connected with examinations, including the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level examination.
The protesters have also demanded cancellation of examinations associated with a company they allege had previously been blacklisted over irregularities.
The agitation has expanded beyond Ranchi, with protests also reported in districts including Bokaro, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh.
Government Takes Steps, But Students Remain Unconvinced
The Jharkhand government has taken several measures in an attempt to address the concerns raised by the protesters.
Former Jharkhand Public Service Commission chairperson L Khiangte was arrested over allegations related to the use of TSR Data Processing Private Limited Agency for examination-related work. The state CID is already investigating the matter.
The government has also said that the Enforcement Directorate will investigate alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in the state.
During talks with students, the government agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and JPSC backlog examinations from 2023 and 2025. The three-member JPSC board also stepped down.
However, these measures did not satisfy the protesters because their key demand concerning the CGL examination remained unresolved.
Why Is the CGL Examination at the Centre of the Dispute?
The JSSC CGL examination has become the immediate trigger for the latest phase of the student agitation. Protesters have alleged problems including paper leaks, leaked OMR sheets, faulty evaluation and a lack of transparency in the recruitment process.
The state government has argued that it does not have the authority to simply cancel the CGL examination or transfer the matter to the CBI because the examination was conducted under the directions and supervision of the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Instead, the government has proposed a judicial monitoring committee headed by a retired judge. It has also announced expert committees, fast-track courts and other measures aimed at improving the examination system.
The students, however, have continued to demand stronger action and have not accepted the proposed alternatives as a substitute for their demands.
Allegations Over Examination Agency
Another major concern raised by the protesters relates to TSR Data Processing Private Limited Agency. According to reports cited in the source material, the agency had previously been blacklisted by the JSSC in May 2025 over alleged irregularities but was subsequently selected for examination-related work by the JPSC.
The issue has added another layer to the students’ concerns about the transparency and credibility of the recruitment examination system.
Political Pressure Builds Around the Protest
The agitation has also developed into a wider political issue. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha and protesting students have continued to press for cancellation of examinations connected with the disputed agency.
BJP leaders also protested over the examination controversy, with reports stating that Aditya Sahu and Babulal Marandi were detained while protesting outside Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence. BJP’s Jharkhand unit spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo alleged that party leaders were placed under house arrest.
At the national level, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was prepared to discuss student protests and police action in the Lok Sabha. He said Union Home Minister Amit Shah would respond to the debate if the Opposition allowed the proceedings to continue without disruption.
Protest Continues Despite Government Assurances
The developments in Ranchi underline the widening gap between the government’s proposed measures and the protesters’ demands. While the administration has announced investigations, examination reforms and the cancellation of certain JPSC examinations, students continue to seek stronger action over the CGL controversy.
The arrival of protesters at the Assembly gates after a day of confrontation with security forces has further intensified the political pressure on the Jharkhand government.
For the protesting students, the issue is not limited to a single examination. They are seeking greater accountability, transparency and confidence in the state’s recruitment system. The government, meanwhile, has maintained that it is prepared to address genuine concerns while following the legal framework governing the examinations.
With investigations underway and the students continuing their agitation, the dispute over Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations is likely to remain a major political and administrative issue until the key demands of the protesters are addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are students protesting in Jharkhand?
Students are protesting over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations and are demanding greater transparency and accountability in the examination process.
What is the main demand of the protesters?
A major demand is a CBI investigation into alleged examination irregularities, along with action against examinations linked to the disputed examination agency.
Why are students demanding cancellation of the CGL examination?
Protesters have alleged paper leaks, OMR-related irregularities, faulty evaluation and other problems in the recruitment examination process.
What has the Jharkhand government agreed to?
The government has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and certain backlog examinations, while also announcing investigations and measures to improve the recruitment system.
Why has the government not agreed to cancel the CGL examination?
The government has said the CGL examination was conducted under the directions and supervision of the High Court and Supreme Court and that it therefore does not have the power to cancel it or hand the matter directly to the CBI.
