JPSC-JSSC exam row: Hunger-striking student shifted to ICU in Ranchi
Synopsis
A student leader protesting alleged JPSC-JSSC exam irregularities in Jharkhand has been shifted to the ICU after his hunger strike entered its fourth day. With two other protesters also hospitalised and the opposition targeting the state government, what began as a campus agitation is fast becoming a political flashpoint over Jharkhand's credibility as a fair recruiter.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Kranti from Palamu was admitted to the ICU at Ranchi Sadar Hospital on 7 August after his hunger strike entered its fourth day.
He had been fasting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since Tuesday night , demanding a transparent JPSC and JSSC recruitment process.
Two other protesters — B.
Pandey and Braj Kishore of Koderma — were also hospitalised on the same day.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari visited the hospital and directed doctors to ensure proper treatment.
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi met the students and alleged that recruitment exams in Jharkhand have been marred by irregularities since 2019 .
Student leader Rahul Kranti from Palamu, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations, was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Ranchi Sadar Hospital on Friday, 7 August after his condition turned critical. He had been fasting since Tuesday night at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, demanding a fair and transparent recruitment process.
How the Crisis Unfolded
According to fellow protesters, Kranti experienced severe dizziness each time he attempted to stand, prompting organisers to call an ambulance and shift him to hospital for immediate medical attention. Two other demonstrators were also hospitalised: B. Pandey, who fell ill while raising slogans at the protest site, and Braj Kishore from Koderma, whose condition was reportedly worsened by continuous rainfall that aggravated conditions at the venue.
Government and Opposition Respond
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari visited Ranchi Sadar Hospital after learning of the deteriorating health of the students, and directed doctors to ensure proper treatment for all ailing protesters. Later on Friday, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also reached the hospital, met the students, and enquired about their condition from attending doctors.
Marandi urged the fasting students not to risk their lives, characterising the government's stance as 'rigid.' He said the students would need to sustain a long-term struggle for justice and should not endanger their health in the process.
Broader Allegations Against Jharkhand's Exam System
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader alleged that several recruitment examinations conducted in the state since 2019 had been marred by irregularities, and that aspirants' confidence in Jharkhand's examination and recruitment system had eroded. Marandi called upon the state government to adopt a more sensitive approach towards the concerns of students and job seekers.
He stressed that the ongoing agitation was not merely the concern of a handful of candidates but represented the voice of thousands of young people across Jharkhand demanding employment opportunities and a transparent, fair examination system.
What Happens Next
With at least three protesters now hospitalised and the demonstration continuing at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, pressure on the Jharkhand government to address the alleged exam irregularities is mounting. The state administration has yet to announce any formal inquiry or concrete response to the protesters' demands.
Point of View
Signalling that the JPSC-JSSC row has already crossed from student grievance into electoral territory. Jharkhand's examination irregularity problem is not new — allegations have surfaced repeatedly since 2019 — yet no credible independent audit mechanism appears to have been put in place. Until the state government responds with something more substantive than a hospital visit, the protest is unlikely to wind down, and the health risk to the remaining fasting students remains real.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rahul Kranti on a hunger strike in Ranchi?
Rahul Kranti, a student leader from Palamu, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since Tuesday night at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, demanding a fair and transparent recruitment process in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations. Protesters allege widespread irregularities in these exams.
What is the current condition of Rahul Kranti?
Kranti was shifted to the ICU at Ranchi Sadar Hospital on 7 August after experiencing severe dizziness and a critical deterioration in health on the fourth day of his fast. He was transported by ambulance from the protest site.
Who else has been hospitalised during the Jharkhand exam protest?
At least two other protesters were hospitalised on the same day — B. Pandey, who fell ill while raising slogans at the demonstration site, and Braj Kishore from Koderma, whose health reportedly worsened due to continuous rainfall at the venue.
What did Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari do?
Health Minister Irfan Ansari visited Ranchi Sadar Hospital after learning of the students' deteriorating health and directed doctors to ensure proper treatment for all ailing protesters.
What has the opposition said about the JPSC-JSSC row?
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi visited the hospital, met the students, and alleged that several recruitment examinations in Jharkhand have been marred by irregularities since 2019. He called on the state government to adopt a more sensitive approach and urged fasting students not to endanger their health, saying a long-term struggle would be needed for justice.
