CID Investigation Exposes Massive 2024 Jharkhand Exam Paper Leak Amid Statewide Aspirant Protests

Official documents from the Jharkhand State Crime Investigation Department (CID) have reportedly revealed that 120 out of 150 questions in the 2024 Jharkhand Staff Selection Committee (JSSC-CGL) examination were leaked. 

The findings contradict earlier official statements from the state government, which had reportedly dismissed leak claims and given the examination a clean chit after shelving the original police investigation. The exposure of the CID report comes as thousands of candidates stage massive demonstrations across Ranchi demanding urgent recruitment test reforms.

CID Report Reveals Massive Leak

The initial CID investigation into the JSSC-CGL exam held on September 21 and 22, 2024 concluded in March 2025. Investigators reportedly confirmed that 80% of the exam questions were compromised hours before candidates sat for the test.

According to evidence submitted in a court petition by aspirant Jeet Kumar, candidates received answer keys via WhatsApp before entering exam centres. One key piece of evidence includes a photographed answer sheet stamped at 7.23 am on September 22, 2024 in Bishnupur, Jamshedpur well before the scheduled examination time.

How and Where Answers Were Shared

The leak operated across state lines and national boundaries, using both modern digital platforms and traditional communications.

Operational details revealed in the report include:

• Answer Distribution via WhatsApp: Leaked answer keys were circulated directly through encrypted messaging groups to candidates who paid for access.
• Widespread Physical Locations: Candidates received answers at organized meet-up points in Hazaribagh, Jamshedpur, Patna, West Bengal, and Nepal.
• Landline Dictation: Gangs dictated answers over traditional landline telephone calls to bypass local security measures.
• Handwritten Evidence: Aspirants wrote down dictated answers while discussing questions with accomplices, creating paper trails used in court filings.
• Pre-Exam Timestamps: Photographed answer sheets were geotagged and timestamped just before exam hall entry doors opened.

Government Shelved First Report for Clean Chit

Following the completion of the CID report in March 2025, the Jharkhand state government reportedly chose to set aside its findings. Authorities formed a second Special Investigation Team (SIT) to review the matter again.

This second SIT concluded that no paper leak had taken place, effectively clearing the JSSC-CGL examination of wrongdoing. However, public anger flared when a similar leak was reported during the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination shortly after, triggering statewide candidate mobilization.

Ongoing Student Protests in Ranchi

The public release of the initial CID report has reportedly intensified protests at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where demonstrations led by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto have entered their 16th day.

Talks between candidate representatives and government officials remain ongoing. Jharkhand Minister Deepika Singh acknowledged the candidates' concerns during negotiations, stating that their feedback is valid and that the government is actively working toward a resolution.