Jharkhand Exam Protests Continue as Opposition Calls for State-Wide Bandh

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission face allegations of leaked answer sheets and recruitment irregularities. These claims triggered student protests in Ranchi.

1. The Jharkhand government cancelled the April 2026 Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) civil service exam. It also cancelled two other recruitment exams. The government cited concerns about the integrity of the selection process.

2. Authorities arrested JPSC chairman L Khiangte on August 10, 2026. The arrest followed an investigation into recruitment exam irregularities.

3. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren promised to address candidate grievances. He cautioned against linking the protests to political agendas.

4. The state government stated it cannot unilaterally cancel the JSSC-CGL examination. Officials cited ongoing judicial directives as the reason for this position.

1. Protesters argue the government response is insufficient. They demand the transfer of the investigation into exam irregularities to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

2. Police used force against demonstrators in Ranchi on August 10, 2026. Officers deployed water cannons, tear gas, and batons during the event. Police reported that three officers were injured in the confrontation. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto was hospitalized following the incident.

3. Jharkhand police briefly detained and questioned journalist Aman Chopra. The department also registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him for his coverage of the protests.

4. The state's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for a state-wide strike, or bandh, on August 11, 2026. The party urged the Congress party to withdraw its support from the government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. This demand follows the government's response to student demonstrations.