Plea seeks CBI probe into Jharkhand JPSC exam irregularities
A Supreme Court petition seeks an independent CBI probe into alleged malpractices around the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, after a viral OMR copy suggested irregular evaluation and amid protests and resignations in Jharkhand. The petition argues for secure evidence and a
Key takeaways
- A viral OMR copy raised questions about the evaluation of the Jharkhand JPSC prelims held on April 19, 2026, and results released on July 2, 2026.
- Three JPSC members resigned, the state cancelled the 14th JPSC prelims and backlog exams from 2023 and 2025, and an ED probe was recommended into financial irregularities.
- The Supreme Court has been asked to order a CBI inquiry, with urgency to preserve evidence such as OMR sheets, CCTV footage, and server logs.
- Activist Harisharan Devgan filed the petition, arguing for independent inquiry beyond the state CID to identify perpetrators and systemic weaknesses.
What Happened
The Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination was held on April 19, 2026, with results announced on July 2, 2026. A carbon copy of a candidate’s OMR answer sheet reportedly went viral, showing that the candidate qualified despite allegedly attempting only 48 of 100 questions. This instance intensified scrutiny over the evaluation process and the choice of the examination agency, TSDPL, which was previously reportedly blacklisted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission for separate irregularities and confidentiality breaches.
In response to the fallout, student protests emerged in Ranchi at Bapu Vatika and Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, including a hunger strike started on August 3. Three JPSC members resigned, and the state government cancelled the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, along with backlog exams from 2023 and 2025. The government also asked for a separate Enforcement Directorate probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to the exam. Protesters have pressed for an independent inquiry rather than only cancellation.
Why It Matters
A petition before the Supreme Court requests an independent, time-bound probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to determine the nature of alleged irregularities, identify those responsible, and uncover systemic weaknesses before a fresh exam is conducted. The petition argues that accountability should be fixed despite the government’s decision to cancel the examination and urges the court to ensure that physical and digital evidence remains secure and untampered.
Background
The controversy centers on evaluation practices for the Jharkhand JPSC preliminary exam and the selection of the testing agency. Earlier, concerns were raised about the agency’s prior conduct and a related ED inquiry into financial irregularities. The state government’s cancellation of the 14th JPSC prelims followed protests and resignations within the commission, with ongoing public calls for independent accountability and reforms to the recruitment system.
Key Facts
- The JPSC preliminary exam occurred on April 19, 2026, with results declared on July 2, 2026.
- A viral carbon copy of an OMR sheet suggested a candidate qualified after attempting only 48 of 100 questions.
- The agency for the exam, TSDPL, had prior controversy including a blacklist by Jharkhand SSC over irregularities and confidentiality issues.
- Protests occurred in Ranchi, including at Bapu Vatika and Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium; a hunger strike began on August 3.
- Three JPSC members resigned amid the controversy.
- The government cancelled the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services preliminary examination and backlog exams from 2023 and 2025.
- The government recommended an Enforcement Directorate probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to the exam.
- A Supreme Court petition seeks a CBI probe and urgent listing to secure evidence such as original OMR sheets, CCTV footage, and server logs.
- The petition was filed by activist Harisharan Devgan, represented by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, urging an independent probe beyond CID.
- The CID is reportedly handling the ongoing investigation in parallel to the petition.
What Happens Next
The petition asks the Supreme Court to direct an independent CBI inquiry and to ensure the preservation of all physical and digital evidence, including OMR copies, CCTV footage, and server audit logs. The urgency is tied to potential loss or tampering of electronic records if not addressed promptly, with a request for early listing by August 22.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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