Jharkhand students stick to CBI probe, refuse to call off stir

The agitation by students and job aspirants in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 21st day on Friday, with protesters refusing to call off the stir and reiterating their demands for a CBI probe and cancellation of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination. Hundreds of students and job aspirants gathered at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where the protest has been continuing since July 29. The protesters said they would continue their agitation until the government addressed their concerns over alleged paper leaks, irregularities and lack of transparency in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and JSSC.

Ranchi, Jharkhand: Amid bad weather and continuous rain, the student protest demanding cancellation of the JPSC-JSSC CGL examination, a CBI investigation, and reforms has entered its 21st day. Students continue their agitation despite challenging weather conditions pic.twitter.com/mxe5ADoOud

— IANS (@ians_india) August 14, 2026

The protesters said a panel comprising four state ministers had held several rounds of discussions with their representatives. However, they maintained that the government had not agreed to their key demands of a CBI investigation and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination. Students also alleged that attempts were being made to divide the protesters by addressing some of their demands while leaving others unresolved. They said their agitation was aimed not only at seeking justice for candidates who had appeared in the examinations but also at ensuring greater transparency and accountability in future recruitment processes.
The protesters have also announced a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ on August 15 to strengthen their agitation. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch warned the state government against registering FIRs against what it described as genuine students participating in the movement. The Manch also rejected allegations by Congress minister Shilpy Neha Tirkey that the delegation which met the government panel did not include students. Protesters displayed their identity cards and said the government should not interfere with their careers or attempt to undermine their representation.
The health condition of four students and activists on hunger strike remained stable on Thursday, although doctors said some of their electrolyte levels were abnormal.Ranchi Sadar Hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr Bimlesh Kumar Singh said Devendra Mahto, Rahul Kranti, Umme Habiba and Mahendra Pratap were continuing their fast and were under regular medical supervision. They were being administered multivitamin infusions through dextrose normal saline, while doctors continued to monitor their sodium, potassium and magnesium levels.