JPSC 14th Civil Services PT result: Candidates allege irregularities, demand probe in Ranchi
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A large number of aspirants took to the streets in Ranchi on Tuesday, 14 July, alleging serious irregularities in the preliminary examination (PT) results of the 14th Combined Civil Services Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). The protesters demanded cancellation of the results and an independent investigation into the entire recruitment process.
How the Protest Unfolded
Demonstrators, mobilised under the banner of the AJSU Students' Union, marched from Bapu Vatika to the JPSC headquarters, staging demonstrations outside the commission's office. A heavy police deployment was put in place outside the premises to prevent any untoward incident.
The candidates warned that if their demands were not addressed promptly, they would intensify their agitation — including blocking traffic on key stretches from Lalpur Chowk to Ratu Road.
Key Allegations Against JPSC
Protesters raised several specific concerns about the manner in which the results were declared. They alleged that the commission released the results late at night, creating unnecessary suspicion, and that the result document did not bear the signature of any competent authority. The cut-off marks, they pointed out, had not been made public.
The candidates also demanded examination of CCTV footage from the commission premises on the night the results were declared. Notably, they alleged that the answer key for the examination had been issued four times — a fact they argued had fundamentally undermined the credibility of the recruitment process.
The OMR Sheet Controversy
Aspirants referred to a purported OMR sheet that has been circulating on social media. According to the protesters, the sheet indicates that a candidate secured 45 out of 45 correct answers in one paper and 97 correct answers in another. They demanded verification of the document's authenticity and alleged that some candidates from outside Jharkhand may have received undue advantage in the selection process, while the interests of local candidates were reportedly overlooked.
What Candidates Are Demanding
The aspirants appealed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren to intervene and order a high-level enquiry into the examination results and the entire selection process. Their demands include public disclosure of cut-off marks and other relevant details, strict action against those found responsible for alleged irregularities, and verification of the circulating OMR sheet.
This comes amid a broader pattern of recruitment controversies in state public service commissions across India, where procedural lapses and delayed result declarations have repeatedly triggered candidate protests. How the JPSC and the Soren government respond in the coming days will determine whether the agitation escalates further.