Dozens of students and job aspirants have been protesting since July 25, 2026, at a stadium in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, demanding reforms to the state's government examination system. Some protesters have resorted to hunger strikes and sleeping outdoors as part of their agitation.

The movement follows weeks after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, which addressed examination paper leaks. The CJP, an independent youth movement, has announced its support for the Jharkhand protests.

A 27-year-old protester from a farming family in Bokaro, who has spent years preparing for Jharkhand's civil service examination, expressed determination: "We will not leave until we get it, even if it costs us our lives."

Officials have acknowledged longstanding issues with the examination system. It has been advertised only three times since Jharkhand was established as a state in 2000, despite hundreds of vacant posts remaining.

Deepika Pandey Singh, a minister in the Jharkhand government, told the BBC that investigations into the allegations began even before the current protests. Many protesters emphasize that the movement remains independent and are cautious about political parties claiming it, though they welcome political support.

Sources

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