Student protests in Jharkhand have intensified as thousands continue demonstrating against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. The movement, centered in Ranchi, has drawn nationwide attention, with protesters demanding transparency and accountability in government recruitment.

The Jharkhand government has formed a task force to engage with the students and asked them to nominate a five-member committee for discussions. However, the protesters have rejected closed-door negotiations and are insisting on a public dialogue with government representatives.

The protest, led by the JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, has been ongoing at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since July 25. Activist Devendra Nath Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2, vowing to continue until the government accepts the students' demands. Following an appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk, he agreed to drink water but continues his fast.

Jharkhand Student Protest Intensifies | Youth Demand Fair Recruitment Exams & Public Talks

Jharkhand student leader Devendranath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, has agreed to drink water following an emotional appeal by activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Mahto, who had refused both food and water since July 3, said he would continue his hunger strike until the Jharkhand government accepts the students' demands. During a video call, Sonam Wangchuk expressed concern over Mahto's deteriorating health and urged him to at least stay hydrated while continuing the movement.

The protest, led by JPSC and JSSC aspirants, demands the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, sweeping reforms in recruitment exams, and a CBI or independent judicial probe into the alleged irregularities. Protesters are also planning a Tiranga March to gather public support.

Jharkhand Student Leader Ends Water Fast After Sonam Wangchuk's Emotional Appeal

The fallout from the NEET paper leak controversy continues to reshape India's examination system, with Maharashtra establishing 23 special fast-track courts to handle 203 pending exam malpractice cases.

The newly created courts will hear cases involving paper leaks, recruitment examination fraud, HSC examination cheating, and other forms of examination malpractice. The move follows widespread outrage over the NEET paper leak and aims to ensure faster justice in cases affecting millions of students.

The Bombay High Court has directed the special courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of filing the chargesheet, significantly accelerating the judicial process.

The development comes after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent. The amended law introduces stricter punishments, including five to ten years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for those using unfair means. For service providers involved in examination fraud, the maximum fine has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, while the debarment period has been doubled from four years to eight years.

NEET Paper Leak Fallout | Maharashtra Sets Up 23 Fast-Track Courts To Hear 203 Exam Fraud Cases