Thousands of students, job seekers, and volunteers have protested since late July 2026 across Jharkhand state against alleged irregularities in government recruitment exams [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The protests began around July 25 with marches and gatherings at a stadium in the state capital Ranchi, continuing through today with large demonstrations near the legislative assembly [1, 2, 3, 5, 6].
The protesters demand a full overhaul of Jharkhand’s government exam system, cancellation of some exams, and a federal investigation into alleged leaks and corruption [2, 3, 5, 6]. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, among at least six protestors on hunger strike for over a week, said, "We want the entire system changed and want to stop using private companies to run government exams" [2, 3, 6]. Most protesters are peaceful students, though a smaller group has thrown stones or tried to breach police barricades [1]. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse some crowds during confrontations, injuring three officers in one incident [1, 2, 4, 5, 6].
Ranchi City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said about 90% of protesters are peaceful but acknowledged some did not heed their leaders. He added police used minimal force for a short time [1]. Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren spoke August 9, emphasizing that "any problem can be solved through dialogue" [3]. The regional government, opposed to Prime Minister Modi’s party, has accepted approximately 98% of the protesters’ demands but talks are ongoing [2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
The Jharkhand protests are part of a wider youth movement across India following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in late July amid exam leaks scandals [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The "Cockroach Janta Party" youth group led nationwide demonstrations in New Delhi, demanding education reforms and the minister’s resignation [1, 3, 4]. Their spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said police continue to investigate some students despite government promises to drop legal action [4].
Today, thousands marched again toward the Jharkhand legislative assembly, where police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse some protesters who tried to break barricades [1, 2, 4, 5, 6]. At least six protesters remain on hunger strike after over a week [2, 3, 6]. Negotiations between protest leaders and the government continue amid continued calls for exam reforms and anti-corruption measures.
