Students Continue Protest in Ranchi Over Alleged JPSC and JSSC Exam Irregularities, Seek CBI Investigation
Ranchi: Hundreds of students continued their protest for the sixth consecutive day in Ranchi, demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination, and other state recruitment tests.
The protesters have been staging an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since July 29, raising slogans and demanding transparency in the recruitment process. They are also seeking reforms in the functioning of recruitment agencies to ensure fair and merit-based examinations.
On Sunday, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto began an indefinite hunger strike to intensify the agitation. He demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment examinations.
In a social media post, Mahto said that despite physical exhaustion, the students’ determination to secure justice remains strong. He reiterated that the movement would continue until their demands for an impartial investigation and reforms are addressed.
The ongoing protest has drawn significant attention, with students insisting on greater accountability and transparency in the state’s recruitment process. According to reports, demonstrators continue to demand a CBI probe into the alleged examination irregularities and reforms to restore confidence in the recruitment system.
The ongoing student protest also received support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed solidarity with the agitating students, backing their demand for a fair investigation into the alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. According to reports, Dipke interacted with the protesters through a video call and assured them of the party’s support in their fight for transparency and justice in the recruitment process
| Examination | Allegation / Issue |
| 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination (2026) | Alleged irregularities in the preliminary examination, including claims of manipulation in the recruitment process. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the exam and a CBI investigation. |
| JSSC Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) Examination | Candidates have alleged question paper leaks, irregularities in selection, and delays in the investigation. They are demanding that the CBI take over the probe. |
| Jharkhand Excise Constable Competitive Examination (JECCE) 2023 | Police arrested 159 candidates and several others after uncovering an alleged paper leak and solver gang. Investigators alleged that candidates were promised question papers for ₹10–15 lakh each. This case has become a symbol of alleged recruitment fraud in the state. |
| Other JSSC Recruitment Exams | Protesters have broadly alleged irregularities in multiple recruitment examinations and are demanding systemic reforms, greater transparency, and an independent investigation. |
What are the protesters demanding?
The students’ key demands include:
- A CBI probe into the 14th JPSC, JSSC-CGL, and other recruitment examinations.
- Cancellation and re-conduct of examinations where serious irregularities are established.
- Action against officials and individuals found responsible.
- Reforms in JPSC and JSSC to ensure transparent, fair, and time-bound recruitment.
- Public disclosure of investigation findings.
Note: While the Jharkhand Excise Constable Competitive Examination (JECCE) 2023 is linked to an alleged paper leak with arrests, the allegations relating to the 14th JPSC and JSSC-CGL are still under investigation. The protesters are seeking an independent probe to determine whether paper leaks or other recruitment irregularities occurred.