JPSC-JSSC Student Protest Enters 20th Day in Ranchi; Tiranga March Planned, Hunger Strike Continues
Ranchi, August 14, 2026: The student movement demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC-JSSC examinations entered its 20th day in Ranchi on Thursday. The JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum announced its next course of action, while several student groups and political leaders extended support to the protesters.
The protesters said there was no plan to surround the Chief Minister’s residence on August 16 and announced a Tiranga Yatra, while the hunger strike by several students continued amid concerns over their health.
Tiranga Yatra Announced
JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum spokesperson Ravindra Paswan said there was no plan to surround the Chief Minister’s residence on August 16. Instead, the forum has decided to organise a Tiranga Yatra on August 15, with young people from across Jharkhand expected to participate.
According to the announced route, the march will begin at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium and pass through Kachahari, Lalpur and Albert Ekka Chowk before returning to the stadium.
The forum also objected to a recent statement by Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, who had reportedly questioned whether members of a delegation that met the government were actually students.
The protesters have demanded dialogue with the government and urged authorities not to name innocent students as accused in FIRs related to the agitation. The forum has also appealed to all 81 MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly to extend moral support to the students.
Alakh Pandey Meets Protesting Students
Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey visited the JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum protest site on Thursday and met students sitting on hunger strike. He spoke to the protesters, heard their demands and expressed moral support for their movement.
Pandey said that if the paper setter himself is admitting to irregularities, the CGL examination should be cancelled. He added that questions surrounding CID and CBI investigations could become political issues, but stressed that the concerns of students preparing for competitive examinations must be taken seriously.
Students Seek Rahul Gandhi’s Intervention
The protesters have also appealed to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene in the matter.
The students said that if the government does not seriously consider their demands, political parties should stand with them. The JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum said political-level intervention would also be necessary to find a resolution to the dispute.
Former MP, MLA and BJP Leader Extend Support
Former MLA Kushwaha Shivpujan Mehta visited the stadium on Thursday and extended moral support to the protesting students.
Mehta criticised the government’s handling of the issue and appealed for the students’ demands to be addressed.
Former MP Yadunath Pandey also met the protesters and encouraged them. BJP leader Ravindra Rai was among those who also visited the students.
AISA Removes Tent From Outside Stadium
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has removed its tent from outside the stadium.
AISA member Vijay Kumar said the tent had been installed to arrange accommodation for people coming from outside in connection with the August 10 Assembly gherao. The organisation has, however, said it will continue supporting the students’ peaceful movement.
Mahendra Prasad Mandal Ends 10-day Hunger Strike
Mahendra Prasad Mandal, who had been on hunger strike for 10 days at the JPSC-JSSC Candidates’ Justice Forum, ended his fast at around 9:30 pm on Thursday.
According to the protesters, Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto persuaded Mandal to end the hunger strike. He was given coconut water following an appeal by the protesters.
Mahto said Mandal had suffered a chest injury and that medical examinations had also indicated health-related concerns. He stressed that he needed timely medical treatment.
Mahto said ending the hunger strike should not be viewed as withdrawing from the movement, but as a temporary break to allow Mandal to recover. He reiterated that the larger movement would continue.
The hunger strike by Prem Nayak and Umesh Mahto remains underway. Other protesters, including Devendra, who is currently admitted to hospital, are also continuing their fast.
Forum Seeks Permission for Devendra to Return to Protest Site
The JPSC-JSSC Candidates’ Justice Forum has submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner seeking permission for Devendranath Mahto to return to the Satyagraha site.
Devendranath Mahto is currently admitted to hospital and, according to forum president Ramavatar Mahto, is on an indefinite hunger strike.
Ramavatar Mahto alleged that Devendra was being prevented from returning to the protest site. He further alleged that members of the forum were not being allowed to meet him or obtain information about his health condition.
The student movement has now entered its 20th day, with protesters continuing to demand action over alleged irregularities in JPSC-JSSC examinations. The forum’s latest announcements indicate that the agitation will continue through public demonstrations, political outreach and hunger strikes.
