Day 16: JPSC protests force Govt to cancel three exams
The Jharkhand Government has proposed to cancel three examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) following talks with students on Sunday amid their protest over alleged exam irregularities. The protest entered its 16th day on Sunday. These three exams are: Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) 2023 and 2025, and the 14th preliminary, sources said.
The students, however, said that the protest will continue until a CBI probe is ordered into examination irregularities. The Government, however, has declined to cancel the JSSC CGL examination, citing the fact that the examination was conducted pursuant to a court order.
Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said that the Government has decided to address the irregularities associated with the 14th JPSC and the 2023-25 backlog recruitments through a two-pronged approach on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Representatives of protesting students and a high-level committee constituted by the Jharkhand Government held a marathon meeting on Sunday. The discussions focused on the cancellation of disputed examinations, investigation into alleged financial and criminal irregularities, and reforms in the recruitment process.
After the day-long negotiations, Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said that the Government and the students had reached an agreement on nearly 98 per cent of the issues, while differences remained on around 2 per cent of the demands.
The minister further said that allegations involving financial transactions would be examined by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), while criminal aspects of the alleged irregularities would continue to be investigated by the CID. A fast-track court would also be constituted, with charge sheets against those found responsible to be filed within 90 days, he said.
On reforms in the recruitment system, Sonu said the Government would constitute an expert committee to examine the existing examination and recruitment mechanism and recommend reforms.
The students have also demanded cancellation of all examinations conducted by TDPL, the agency engaged in conducting recruitment examinations, alleging serious irregularities in its functioning. The Government has not accepted this demand so far.
Speaking about the talks and the ongoing agitation, protesting student Manish Kumar said, “Jharkhand Government had listened seriously to their concerns and also given assurances. However, the students did not receive satisfactory assurances on the CGL examination and their demand for a CBI probe.”
He said that in the absence of a satisfactory resolution to these key demands, the students had been compelled to continue their agitation.
The students have made it clear that the agitation will continue until all their demands are addressed. They are preparing for a march to the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday, with students from across the State expected to reach Ranchi to participate in the protest. The youth wing of the BJP has extended support to the proposed demonstration.
The latest round of talks comes amid sustained protests by aspirants demanding greater transparency, accountability and an overhaul of the State’s competitive examination system.
Earlier, Chief Minister Hemant Soren today once again assured the protesting youth that the State Government is deeply serious about their rights and future. He stated that it is Government’s responsibility to deliver justice to the youth protesting against irregularities in recruitment exams. Strict action will be taken against those involved, and the perpetrators have already been identified.
The Chief Minister, addressing gathering on the occasion of Jharkhand Adivasi Mahotsav 2026, noted that the protesting students found the courage to demand their rights and agitate precisely because of the Government’s actions.
He assured that the youth will get justice and those guilty of irregularities will receive the harshest punishment, emphasising that no one will be spared. Referring to the exam controversy, he reiterated that the Government has taken the matter seriously, firmly stating, “We have caught the thief.” Emotionally, the CM remarked that he was born in this soil and will be buried in it - a statement reflecting his deep connection with the state and its youth.
Three JPSC members resign
Three members of Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) — Ajita Bhattacharya, Dr Jameel Ahmed and Anima Hansda — have resigned from their posts. The three members have submitted their resignations to the Governor of Jharkhand, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, according to sources. Their resignations come at a time when the commission is facing intense scrutiny over alleged irregularities in several competitive examinations conducted in recent years.
