Jharkhand: Government takes major action regarding JSSC-JPSC; 22 recruitment exams (including CGL) cancelled..

Amidst a long-standing student agitation regarding alleged rigging and irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams in Jharkhand, the Hemant Soren government has taken a major decision. The government has decided to cancel over 22 recruitment exams—including the Jharkhand CGL—postpone six exams until further notice, and order a CID probe into 17 previously conducted exams. Amidst questions raised about the role of the exam-conducting agency TDPL, the government has also announced several key measures to reform the examination system. This decision will impact the recruitment process for thousands of candidates.

**Government issued eight notifications late at night**
The government led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren issued eight separate notifications late at night on August 18, 2026, through the Department of Personnel. Through these notifications, major decisions were taken regarding various recruitment exams and processes associated with JPSC and JSSC. According to the government's decision, more than 22 recruitment exams have been completely cancelled, while six exams have been postponed until further notice. Additionally, a decision has been made to have the CID investigate 17 previously conducted exams. The government has also decided to cancel exams conducted through TDPL and their associated results. Following these decisions, candidates are now looking towards the new recruitment process to be initiated by the government.

**Impact on key exams, including CGL**
The cancelled exams cover recruitment for several important posts. These include non-teaching posts in universities; Assistant Director and Senior Scientific Officer; Drug Inspector; Assistant Professor in engineering colleges; Lecturer in government polytechnics; Assistant Professor in medical colleges; Civil Judge (Junior Division); Assistant Conservator of Forests; and Forest Range Officer. Furthermore, the Combined Civil Services Exam-2025, Backlog-2025, Backlog-2023, Food Safety Officer, Child Development Project Officer, Combined Civil Services Exam-2023, and the 6th Limited Deputy Collector Recruitment Exam have also been cancelled. The Jharkhand Eligibility Test-2024 and the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination—involving 1,932 posts—are also included in the list of cancelled exams.

**Six exams postponed for now**
Instead of cancelling them outright, the government has decided to postpone certain examinations until further orders. These include recruitment exams for the posts of Food Analyst, Deputy Director (Prosecution), Project Manager, Factory Inspector, Boiler Inspector, and Director. Future government decisions regarding these exams will become clear in due course.

**CID to investigate 17 exams**
The government has decided to have the CID investigate 17 previously conducted examinations. This decision follows persistent demands from students regarding alleged malpractices and irregularities. Students had long been calling for transparency in the examination process and an impartial probe into alleged rigging. Following this government decision, the investigating agency will examine records, procedures, and the allegations that have surfaced.

**Exams and results conducted by TDPL also cancelled**
The role of TDPL, the agency responsible for conducting the exams, has also been under scrutiny amidst the JPSC-JSSC controversy. Following a cabinet meeting on Monday, the government announced the cancellation of all examinations conducted and results published by TDPL. This decision was subsequently formalized through notifications issued late at night. Coming amidst a 23-day-long student agitation, this move is viewed as significant action addressing one of the protesters' key demands.

**Committee to be formed to improve the examination system**
The government has not only decided to cancel exams and order investigations but has also taken steps to ensure transparency in future recruitment examinations. According to the notification, an internal vigilance cell will be established within JPSC-JSSC. Additionally, a committee has been constituted to improve the examination system. Headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal, this committee will submit its report on reforming the JPSC-JSSC examination system to the government within two months. 

Proposal for a Fast-Track Court for Irregularity-Related Cases
The government has decided to request the High Court to constitute a fast-track court for the speedy hearing of cases involving alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. The government states that this will facilitate the rapid resolution of disputes and issues regarding irregularities linked to the exams. Emphasis is also being placed on enhancing accountability and transparency within the examination system.

Major Government Decision After a 23-Day Protest
Students had been protesting for approximately 23 days over alleged malpractices in JPSC and JSSC examinations. During the agitation, several demands were raised, including the cancellation of the CGL exam, action regarding TDPL-related exams, investigations into past examinations, and reforms to the recruitment process. The government has now decided to cancel several exams (including the CGL), postpone others, and order a CID inquiry into 17 examinations. However, this decision has also raised concerns among candidates who had already been selected through these exams or were at various stages of the recruitment process. For now, the government claims it will improve future recruitment through a transparent and reformed examination system. Meanwhile, candidates are now awaiting the schedule for new examinations.

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