The long student agitation in Jharkhand has entered a new stage. After the state government cancelled the JSSC-CGL examination and all recruitment tests conducted by the private agency TDPL since 2014, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has made it clear that the fight is not over. He has announced a second phase of protest demanding completely corruption-free recruitment through JPSC and JSSC.

Three protesters are still on hunger strike. The issue remains live and politically sensitive across the state.

What Happened

For nearly 25 days, job aspirants and students had been protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities, paper leaks and corruption in state recruitment examinations. The agitation included hunger strikes. Devendra Mahto, associated with Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha, sat on a 16-day fast that drew wide attention.

Late on 17 August 2026, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that the Cabinet had decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination. The government also cancelled all examinations conducted by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL) since 2014, along with the results and selections made through those tests. A CID probe into the irregularities was already underway, and an exam reforms committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal was announced.

Mahto ended his hunger strike around midnight in the presence of ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari. Two other protesters also called off their fast. He described the cancellation as a “historic win” for the students.

But on 18 August he told the media that ending the hunger strike did not mean ending the protest.

Second Phase Announced

“I have ended my hunger strike, not the protest,” Mahto said. “The agitation will continue till the government gives a guarantee that no paper leak or irregularities will take place in recruitment examinations. We will soon launch the second phase of our protest, demanding corruption-free recruitment in JPSC and JSSC examinations.”

The next phase will be carried forward under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Abhiyarthi Reform Manch, which he heads. Mahto has spoken about a “blueprint” for reforms. He wants a monitoring committee, stage-by-stage audit of the examination process, and a strong system that prevents future paper leaks. He has also spoken about the need for a law that guarantees leak-proof examinations.

Three protesters — Rahul Kranti, Sabita Kumari and Rupesh Pal — continued their hunger strike even after the government’s announcement. Their presence keeps the pressure alive on the ground.

Why the Issue Remains Sensitive

The cancellation has created a new set of problems. Around 2,000 candidates who had already been selected and, in some cases, joined government jobs through the cancelled process are now worried about their future. Many of them have also started protesting, saying they cleared the exams honestly and should not be punished.

On one side are the original protesters who want systemic reform and a guarantee against future leaks. On the other side are the selected candidates who fear losing the jobs they worked hard for. Both groups are now part of the larger picture in Ranchi.

The government has ordered a CID investigation into the irregularities dating back to 2014. How far that probe goes and what action follows will decide the next turn of events.

What Mahto and Others Are Saying

Mahto has repeatedly said that cancelling one or two examinations is not enough. He wants a permanent system where paper leaks and malpractice become difficult. He has thanked Chief Minister Hemant Soren and others for accepting the main demand, but has made it clear that the larger fight for clean recruitment will continue.

Other student groups under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch have also indicated that they want a CBI-level investigation and stronger safeguards before they fully withdraw from the streets.

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Devendra Mahto’s key statement (widely reported):

“I have ended my hunger strike, not the protest. The agitation will continue till the government gives a guarantee that no paper leak or irregularities will take place in recruitment examinations. We will soon launch the second phase...”

Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s announcement on cancellation of JSSC-CGL and all TDPL exams since 2014 has been the turning point that led to the current phase.

The situation remains fluid. The second phase of the agitation is expected to focus on long-term reforms rather than only the cancellation of specific examinations. How the government responds to the demand for a stronger monitoring mechanism and legal safeguards will decide whether the protest cools down or intensifies further.