JPSC Protest: The ongoing student protest in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC recruitment exams reached a new turning point on its 12th day. Devendra Mahato, who was on a hunger strike, ended his fast by drinking water after a phone conversation with Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk advised him to continue the protest by consuming only water to ensure a long-term fight. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party chief Abhijeet Dipke has also announced his intention to join the student protest.
It should be noted that the student movement in Ranchi began on July 4, 2026, outside the JPSC office in Morabadi. Candidates began protesting against alleged irregularities in the 14th Civil Services Examination and other recruitment processes. On July 22, the controversy over the JPSC results escalated, and several youth organizations, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, staged a sit-in protest demanding a CBI investigation. Meanwhile, the JPSC postponed nine of its recruitment exams.
The movement became statewide
On July 25th, JPSC-JSSC candidates began an indefinite protest under the banner of Nyay Manch at Bapu Vatika in Morabadi Maidan. Thousands of students held protest marches on July 28th and 29th. By July 30th, the protest had spread across the state, and candidates reiterated their demands for a CBI or ED investigation, a review of the entire recruitment process, and action against erring officials.
What are the allegations of the students?
Candidates allege serious irregularities in the results of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. They claim that the cut-offs were erroneous, the merit list lacks the signatures of responsible officials, the OMR sheets were tampered with, and the blacklisted company TDPL was awarded the exam contract.
Students adamant on demanding CBI inquiry
The students say they do not trust the CID investigation and want an impartial inquiry by the CBI or another central agency. They say they do not want any sympathy, but a fair opportunity based on their hard work. They have also demanded that a fifth option, ‘Not Attempted,’ be added to the OMR sheet.