Jharkhand Exam Protest Enters Day 13, Students Await Crucial Talks With Government

The protest by students and job aspirants against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 13th day on Thursday, with the agitation gathering wider support from student organisations across the state.

The demonstration at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi continued despite overnight rain, as aspirants vowed to remain at the protest site until the state government addresses their demands. A delegation of students is scheduled to hold talks with government representatives later in the day, a meeting that could prove crucial in determining the future course of the agitation.

Protest gains support across Jharkhand

Representatives of several student organisations reached the protest venue on Thursday morning to express solidarity with the agitating aspirants and support their demand for greater transparency in the state’s recruitment process.

The movement, led primarily by JPSC aspirants, has intensified over the past two weeks. Protesters remained at the site throughout the night despite heavy rainfall, insisting that adverse weather would not weaken their resolve.

Student leader Devendra Mahto continued his indefinite hunger strike as the protest entered its 13th day.

Students allege corruption in recruitment process

Several protesters alleged that corruption had become deeply rooted in Jharkhand’s education and recruitment system.

One student claimed that irregularities in government recruitment had persisted for years and alleged that bribery had become commonplace.

“For every post, one has to give bribes, and only then will they secure the post. A CGL seat was being sold for ₹25 lakh. It is truly unfortunate,” the student alleged.

Demand for transparent examinations

Another student said the protest was aimed at restoring trust in the state’s examination system and ensuring that future recruitment exams are conducted fairly.

“We have joined this protest because the education system is in a terrible state. We want reforms to be introduced as soon as possible, our demands to be fulfilled, and all examinations in Jharkhand to be free from paper leaks,” the student said.

Several aspirants also highlighted the financial hardships faced by candidates preparing for government jobs, saying recruitment irregularities disproportionately affect students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Government meeting in focus

With the agitation entering its second week, attention is now on Thursday’s meeting between a student delegation and representatives of the Jharkhand government.

Protesters hope the discussions will lead to concrete action on their demands, including greater transparency in recruitment examinations and measures to prevent alleged irregularities and paper leaks in future recruitment processes.