14th JPSC Exam Protest: Hunger strike escalates in Ranchi as aspirants demand CBI probe

RANCHI: The ongoing agitation surrounding alleged paper leaks, OMR sheet manipulation, and systematic corruption in Jharkhand’s public recruitment examinations has escalated into a major political and social flashpoint. 

Job aspirants and student organizations are maintaining an indefinite sit-in and hunger strike demanding the absolute cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services examination. The protesters are centered at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium demanding comprehensive structural reforms across state recruitment bodies.

Background on the 14th JPSC Examination

The preliminary test for the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination where more than 36,000 students appreared was conducted on April 19, 2026, and the official results were declared on July 2, 2026. Following the result announcement a widespread outrage erupted as aspirants uncovered systematic irregularities, including alleged OMR sheets tampering, unequal cut-off distributions, and leaked question papers. The protest movement began immediately after the result declaration.

The Jharkhand government led by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the matter, which led to 14 arrests and raids across Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Dhanbad. The protesting job seekers rejected the state agency's probe. Candidates are demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or an independent panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state. Under pressure, the JPSC postponed its Combined Civil Services Mains examination, which was originally scheduled for late July.

Origin of the protest

The protests that began in July have now progressed into a continuous day-and-night Satyagraha by the month end. The agitation and hunger strike is being led by Devendra Nath Mahto, a 33-year-old student activist from Ranchi’s Rahe block.

He holds a postgraduate degree in Sanskrit and Regional Languages from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi, and a B.Ed. degree from Hazaribagh. Associated with the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) and former Jharkhand State Students Union (JSSU), Mahto has been a prominent advocate against recruitment corruption, paper leaks, and youth employment issues since 2015.

He launched an indefinite hunger strike on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to keep students' morale high.

Current Hunger Strike status

Currently, six protesters are on an indefinite fast at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium

• Devendra Nath Mahto (now entering his 4th consecutive day), and
• Five additional aspirants (including two female candidates, Sabita Kumari and Habiba) under the banner of the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch, who joined the fast on Tuesday, night, August 4.

Renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk has also remotely reached out to Devendra Nath Mahto to advise him to consume water due to dropping blood pressure levels. Mahto accepted water on his fourth day, but the hunger strike still continues.

Chronological timeline of events

• April 19, 2026: The 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination was conducted.
• July 2, 2026: The preliminary results officially declared which triggered widespread allegations of paper leaks and corruption across the state.
• July 25, 2026: Students initiated an indefinite day-and-night Satyagraha across Ranchi.
• July 29, 2026: The protesters assemble at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, turning it into the central point of the movement.
• July 30, 2026: Jharkhand CID arrested a candidate in Hazaribag for using unfair means and questioned former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte, regarding the alleged corruption.
• August 2, 2026: Devendra Nath Mahto began his indefinite hunger strike. And Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke extended support towards the students via video call.
• August 4, 2026: Protesters officially reject the CID probe, while the Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren, announced that the government is evaluating the situation and will make decisions at an "appropriate time."
• August 5, 2026: Five more aspirants joined the hunger strike, bringing the total to six. Protesters announced plans for a 'Tiranga March' and an Assembly gherao movement for August 10.

Political repercussions and government’s response

The intensifying protest has turned into a major political battleground ahead of the state legislature's Monsoon Session. Opposition parties led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, have heavily criticized the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) led coalition, accusing the state government of using the CID to cover up systemic corruption rather than ensuring justice for job aspirants.

Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das has urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to engage directly with the agitating students and order a CBI probe, drawing parallels to the Centre's swift handling of the NEET paper leak case. In response, Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that his government is handling the matter with complete seriousness and that decisions addressing candidate grievances will be announced at an "appropriate time." 

Additionally, JMM MLA Kalpana Soren stated the government is actively working out resolutions, while the state CID continues its investigation, having arrested 14 individuals and raided 18 locations to date. However, with student groups preparing for a 'Tiranga March' and an Assembly gherao, on August 10, the pressure continues to mount on the administration for immediate judicial intervention.