Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Jharkhand Exam Row: Sixth Round of Talks Begins Amid Deadlock
Many young people in Jharkhand, a state in India, are very upset about tests that decide who gets government jobs.
They believe something went wrong with these tests, called the JPSC and JSSC exams, so people may not have been chosen fairly.
The young people have gathered at a big sports stadium in Ranchi, the state capital.
Their protest has now been going on for 16 days, and six protesters have stopped eating to show how serious they are.
The state government has talked with them many times, but the two sides still cannot agree.
The students want a completely independent team of investigators, and they want one big exam cancelled.
The government says its own detectives are already investigating, and 19 people have been arrested.
There was also a small clash when one student group marched near the chief minister's house, and police held a few protesters.
A new meeting started on Sunday, and everyone is hoping it will end the protest peacefully.
A sixth round of talks between the Jharkhand government and students protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities began Sunday at the state guest house in Ranchi.
The protest entered its 16th day, with six demonstrators on indefinite hunger strike and multiple student groups involved.
Protesters, including the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, demand cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, an independent CBI probe or panel of retired high court judges, and action against officials.
The CID's SIT probe has led to 19 arrests, interrogation of former JPSC chairman L Khiangte, and summoning of serving JPSC members.
ABVP members scuffled with police near the chief minister's residence on Friday, leading to the detention of eight to ten protesters.
- Who
- Job aspirants and student groups, including the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, AISA and ABVP, and the Jharkhand government of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, represented by ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sanjay Prasad Yadav.
- What
- A sixth round of talks on alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams, with demands for cancelling the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe.
- When
- Sunday, August 9, 2026, the protest's 16th day; earlier rounds of talks were held Friday night and Saturday, August 8.
- Where
- State guest house and Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand; talks were also held at the chief minister's residence.
- Why
- Aspirants allege irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations and demand an independent probe, exam cancellation, and action against officials.
Protesting Job Aspirants
Jharkhand Government
Investigation authority
Protesting Job Aspirants
Demand an independent probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state, showing distrust of the state's own agency.
Jharkhand Government
Prefers its own Criminal Investigation Department (CID) special investigation team, which has intensified with 19 arrests and interrogation of former JPSC chairman L Khiangte.
14th JPSC Civil Services Examination
Protesting Job Aspirants
Demand cancellation of the examination and action against officials responsible for the alleged irregularities.
Jharkhand Government
Finds it difficult to concede cancellation and punitive action, partly because its CID's probe into the alleged irregularities is still underway.
Ending the deadlock
Protesting Job Aspirants
Say the stir will continue until all their demands are met.
Jharkhand Government
Held repeated dialogue rounds and scheduled a sixth round of talks on Sunday before taking any final decision.
- Event
- Protest over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations
- Protest duration
- 16th day on August 9, 2026; six demonstrators on indefinite hunger strike
- Protest location
- Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, Ranchi
- Talks status
- Sixth round began Sunday at the state guest house; earlier rounds since Friday night failed to break the deadlock
- Key demands
- Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination; independent CBI probe or retired high court judges panel; action against officials; reinstatement of whistleblower Santosh Kumar Mastana
- CID SIT probe
- 19 arrests; former JPSC chairman L Khiangte interrogated; serving JPSC members summoned
- ABVP clash
- Eight to ten protesters detained near the chief minister's residence on Friday
- Feedback email
- [email protected], launched by the government for suggestions on exam reforms
Sources
Fresh Talks Begin Between Jharkhand Govt, Students Over Exam Irregularities
6th round of talks between Jharkhand govt, students begins
Jharkhand govt to hold fresh talks with students protesting job exam ‘irregularities’
