# Jharkhand paper leak protest: 15th day, deadlock continues

2026-08-08T12:38:31+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Talks between the Jharkhand government and protesting job aspirants failed for a second day on Saturday, with the agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams entering its 15th day. A five-member government panel met leaders from the JPSC-JSSC Candidates' Forum, NSUI, and tribal student groups, but all stuck to their demands. The protesters, led by JLKM's Devendra Nath Mahto who has been on a seven-day hunger strike, insist on the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam, a CBI or CID probe, and the creation of a Jharkhand Testing Agency. The government termed the demands 'genuine' and promised to take them to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, but the deadlock remains. Meanwhile, the ABVP clashed with police during a march in Ranchi, and the CJP has announced support for the students. The All India Students' Association set up a third protest platform at Jaipal Singh Munda stadium, though it said it will join a larger march on August 10. Nineteen people have been arrested so far in connection with the irregularities, and former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has been questioned four times since July 28. Mahto said his health is deteriorating, with dropping blood pressure and sugar levels, and doctors have advised hospital admission.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jharkhand-exam-paper-leak-protest-talks-fail-aspirants-continue-stir-2966509-2026-08-08?utm_source=rss>
- nationalheraldindia.com <https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/jharkhand-students-continue-protest-despite-positive-second-round-of-talks>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/jharkhand-govt-holds-talks-with-protesting-jpsc-aspirants/20260808.htm>
- thefederal.com <https://thefederal.com/category/states/east/jharkhand/no-breakthrough-in-jharkhand-exam-reform-talks-as-protest-enters-day-15-252919>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/jharkhand-student-protest-gets-a-new-backer-cjp-lands-in-ranchi-vows-all-forms-of-support-article-155386601>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/ranchi-news/jharkhand-exam-row-aisa-sets-up-separate-platform-at-ranchi-protest-site-101786187211928.html>

Tags: Jharkhand, JPSC, JSSC, paper leak, protest, recruitment exam
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