Ranchi, Aug 2026 : The protest by students and job aspirants against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 13th consecutive day on Thursday, with the agitation receiving increasing support from student organisations across the state.
The demonstration, being held at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, continued to gain momentum as representatives of various student groups arrived at the protest venue in the morning to express solidarity with the agitating aspirants. The organisations extended their support to the protesters and backed their demand for greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the recruitment examination system.
The agitation, led primarily by JPSC aspirants, has intensified over the past two weeks. Despite persistent overnight rainfall and difficult weather conditions, the protesters remained at the stadium and refused to withdraw their demonstration. They reiterated that they would continue their agitation until the government took concrete steps to address their concerns.
Student leader Devendra Mahto also continued his indefinite hunger strike as part of the protest. Other students remained at the venue throughout the night despite the rain, signalling their determination to keep the movement going.
The protesters said adverse weather conditions would not weaken their resolve. They maintained that their agitation was not merely about individual examinations but about restoring credibility to the state's recruitment system and ensuring that deserving candidates receive a fair opportunity to secure government employment.
One of the protesting students alleged that corruption had become deeply entrenched in the state's education and recruitment systems. He claimed that irregularities had persisted for years and expressed disappointment that the problem continued in Jharkhand, a state associated with the legacy of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
According to the student, allegations of bribery in recruitment processes had created a sense of distrust among aspirants. He claimed that candidates were being asked to pay money to secure positions and alleged that seats in the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process were being sold for as much as Rs 25 lakh. The allegations, however, remain claims made by protesters and have not been independently established.
Another student said the primary objective of the agitation was to demand transparency and restore the confidence of young people in the state's examination system.
“We have joined this protest because the education system is in a terrible state. We want reforms to be introduced as soon as possible, our demands to be fulfilled, and our concerns to reach the Jharkhand government. We also want all examinations conducted in Jharkhand to be free from paper leaks,” the student said.
For many protesters, the issue has a direct connection with their economic circumstances. One aspirant pointed out that government employment continues to be an important avenue for young people from economically weaker families. Any alleged irregularity in recruitment, he said, could severely affect candidates who have invested years of effort and limited family resources in preparing for competitive examinations.
“We are from economically weak sections of society; the government job remains an option. In such a situation, if there are irregularities here too, then there is no point,” the student said.
Another participant highlighted the uncertainty faced by thousands of aspirants preparing for recruitment to the Jharkhand Police, warder posts and other government positions. He said candidates and their families make significant sacrifices during years of preparation, often with the expectation that a fair examination will provide them with an opportunity to build a stable future.
The protesters are now looking towards Thursday's scheduled meeting with the state government. A delegation of students has been granted an appointment with government representatives to discuss their demands.
The meeting is expected to be closely watched by the protesting aspirants and student organisations supporting the movement. The protesters hope that direct dialogue with the government will result in concrete assurances and pave the way for a resolution.
With the agitation entering its 13th day and support widening among student groups, pressure is mounting on the Jharkhand government to address concerns surrounding the recruitment examination process. For thousands of aspirants, the immediate priority remains ensuring that examinations are conducted transparently, without paper leaks or other irregularities, and that government recruitment is based solely on merit and a fair opportunity for all candidates.
Team Maverick
