The student protest in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC examinations continues for the 16th day. The third round of talks with the government resulted in a proposal to cancel the 14th JPSC examination and an ED investigation into the financial transactions of TDPL.
Ranchi: Amid the ongoing student movement over alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC examinations, the third round of talks is underway between the government and a delegation of candidates. The talks have included proposals such as canceling the 14th JPSC and backlog-25 exams, investigating the exams conducted by the examination agency TDPL, and having the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigate its financial transactions. However, a final decision is expected after discussions with other student organizations.
Amid Ranchi student protests, the JPSC proposed to cancel the 14th exam.
The student protest in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC examinations continues. On the 16th day of the protest, a student delegation arrived at the State Guest House, where talks are being held with a team of four government ministers. Security has been increased around the guest house in anticipation of the meeting.
The students’ main demand is to ensure transparency in the examinations and conduct an independent investigation into alleged irregularities. Candidates involved in the agitation are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and an investigation into the examinations where irregularities have been alleged. Recently, there was an uproar in the Assembly over this issue.
Proposal to cancel 14th JPSC and backlog exams
During the discussions, the government announced a proposal to cancel the 14th JPSC exam along with the backlog of 25 exams. Furthermore, it also proposed an investigation into other exams conducted by the exam-organizing agency, TDPL.
The government has also proposed seeking suggestions from prestigious institutions like IIT-ISM and XLRI to improve the examination system in the future. The aim is to make the examination process more transparent and reliable.
However, the official exam calendar of JPSC already has the dates for various Combined Civil Services Examinations for 2026 and the Commission has also stated that the dates may be changed as per the circumstances.
ED probe into TDPL’s financial transactions
According to sources, the talks also included an agreement to have the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigate the financial transactions of the exam-organizing agency, TDPL. The government also proposed completing the investigations of cases assigned to the CID within 90 days.
This issue is significant because students have long demanded an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the examination process. The protesting candidates want clarity regarding the investigation process and timely action.
If the demands are not met, the Assembly will be surrounded on August 10.
Two rounds of talks have already taken place between student organizations and the government, but no final solution was reached. The situation is expected to become clearer after the third round of talks.
The students have warned that if concrete decisions are not taken on their key demands, they will surround the Assembly on August 10th. Several students are also on hunger strike as part of the protest. All eyes are currently on the final outcome of the ongoing talks between the government and student representatives.