Jharkhand Students Storm Barricades, March Towards Assembly Over Exam Leaks

Ranchi, August 10, 2026 The recruitment examination controversy in Jharkhand has entered a decisive phase as thousands of students protesting alleged paper leaks and irregularities began marching towards the state Assembly in Ranchi. The agitation has intensified with protesters breaking through barricades while demanding comprehensive reforms in the recruitment examination system. Students from several districts reached the state capital in large numbers on Monday morning, travelling by trains, buses and other vehicles to join the demonstration. The state government has claimed that it has accepted “98 per cent” of the protesters’ demands and appealed to them to end the agitation. The students, however, said the government had agreed to cancel only three of the 13 examinations they want scrapped. JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan asserted that the protesters remained firm on their demand for a CBI probe. Six protesters are also continuing their hunger strike as part of the agitation. Chief Minister Soren had earlier assured the protesters that strict action would be taken against those responsible for irregularities in recruitment examinations. The controversy has also led to significant changes within the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). Three commission members resigned on Sunday after receiving CID summons in connection with alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations. JPSC chairperson L Khiangte had resigned earlier, on July 22. As the protesters move towards the Assembly, the standoff has reached a crucial point, with the government facing mounting pressure to address the students’ remaining demands and restore trust in the recruitment process.