Jharkhand Exam Row: Students Continue Protest, Demand Cancellation of JPSC Exam and CBI-ED Probe

The student protest against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's JPSC and JSSC-CGL recruitment examinations has entered its 13th day at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, with thousands of aspirants continuing their demonstration despite heavy rainfall. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and a CBI and ED investigation into alleged irregularities in multiple recruitment exams, rejecting the ongoing CID probe as inadequate. They have also called for comprehensive reforms in the state's examination system, including greater transparency in merit lists, changes to the OMR format, and an end to contracts awarded to blacklisted agencies. The students have announced a march to the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if their demands remain unmet. Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government is treating the matter seriously and assured that justice would be done after the investigation. Reports suggest the government is considering a high-level committee to hold talks with protesters. Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its criticism, demanding Hemant Soren's resignation over the alleged examination irregularities and recruitment controversies.