Protests in Jharkhand: Police fire teargas at students
Jharkhand exam protests escalate as police use tear gas; students demand CBI probe despite government concessions and exam cancellations.
RANCHI, Aug 11, 2026 — Police in India’s eastern state of Jharkhand fired tear gas shells to disperse thousands of protesters demanding reforms to recruitment exams. Demonstrations have continued for over two weeks, with students, job seekers, and volunteers attempting to march to the state assembly in Ranchi.
Officials said most protesters remained peaceful, but a smaller group breached barricades and threw stones, prompting police to use water cannons, batons, and tear gas. Several injuries were reported, though the exact number remains unclear. Police stressed that “minimal force” was used given the student-led nature of the protest.
The agitation stems from allegations of irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission’s (JPSC) preliminary civil service exam held in April. Candidates claimed leaked answer sheets showed successful applicants had answered far fewer questions than expected, fueling suspicions of manipulation.
Jharkhand
The state government has since cancelled the exam, along with two others, while several JPSC members resigned. The commission’s chairman also stepped down and was later arrested.
Despite these concessions, protesters continue to demand a federal-level investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Many remain camped at a stadium in Ranchi, with some on hunger strike.
The unrest has drawn political backing, with opposition parties supporting the students and calling for accountability. The state’s leadership has warned against politicising the agitation, while promising justice.
The protests echo recent nationwide demonstrations over exam paper leaks, underscoring growing frustration among India’s youth over recruitment transparency and fairness. With tensions high and demands unmet, Jharkhand’s exam crisis remains unresolved.
Kazi Mahmood