Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Jharkhand Police Clash With Gen Z Students Over Exam Reforms
Many young people in Jharkhand, called Gen Z, are very upset.
They are angry about problems with government recruitment exams.
These exams decide who gets important government jobs.
Students and job seekers went to protest in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.
The police used tear gas and batons to stop them.
Several people got hurt, including a protest leader named Devendra Nath Mahto.
The protesters want the government to fix the exam system.
A former exam officer named L Khiangte was arrested for his suspected role in the mess.
A famous politician, Rahul Gandhi, said hurting peaceful students is wrong.
He said the government should talk to the students and solve their problems.
Thousands of students, job seekers, and volunteers protested in Ranchi demanding reforms in Jharkhand's recruitment exams.
Police used lathi-charge and tear gas when protestors tried to reach the state Assembly, injuring several people including leader Devendra Nath Mahto.
Ranchi Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said a handful of troublemakers broke barricades and threw stones, injuring three police personnel.
Rahul Gandhi condemned the police action, saying students have a right to peaceful protest and only dialogue can yield solutions.
Jharkhand CID arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte over alleged irregularities in the recruitment exams.
- Who
- Thousands of Gen Z students, job seekers, and volunteers, led by Devendra Nath Mahto, along with political figures including Rahul Gandhi and the BJP
- What
- A protest demanding comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams, which turned violent after police used lathi-charge and tear gas
- When
- On Monday, amid ongoing protests
- Where
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Why
- Anger over irregularities, delays, and paper leaks in recruitment exams, and a demand for transparent, time-bound investigations
Protesters and Opposition (Congress)
Police and State Government
Use of Force
Protesters and Opposition (Congress)
The use of force against students who were protesting is wrong; students have a right to peaceful protest and only dialogue can yield solutions.
Police and State Government
Police said most protestors went about peacefully, but a handful of troublemakers broke through barricades and threw stones, injuring three police personnel and forcing action.
Handling of Exam Irregularities
Protesters and Opposition (Congress)
The arrest of former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte came only after the agitation hit national headlines, suggesting a cavalier approach; a transparent, time-bound investigation into every allegation is needed.
Police and State Government
Authorities have taken action by arresting former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte over his alleged role in irregularities in the recruitment exams.
- Location
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
- Protesters
- Students, job seekers, and volunteers
- Demands
- Comprehensive reforms in JPSC and JSSC
- Police response
- Lathi-charge and tear gas shells
- Injured leader
- Devendra Nath Mahto (hospitalised)
- Arrest
- Former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte
- Police injuries
- 3 personnel injured by stones
- Political reaction
- Rahul Gandhi condemned the use of force