RANCHI — State public service commissions in India are facing renewed scrutiny over delays and irregularities in recruitment examinations, with thousands of government-job aspirants in Jharkhand protesting and authorities reviewing the conduct of several examinations.
The controversy has been particularly acute in Jharkhand, where candidates have demonstrated for weeks over alleged irregularities involving the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. The state government has opened talks with student representatives, while investigations into alleged recruitment-related irregularities have added to pressure on the commissions.
The JPSC in July postponed the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Main Written Competitive Examination, originally scheduled for July 25-27, along with other examinations listed in its 2026 calendar. The commission cited "unavoidable reasons" and said the examinations would remain postponed until further orders.
The delays have become part of wider concerns about the timeliness and transparency of state recruitment systems. In Jharkhand, protests escalated in August, with aspirants demanding greater accountability and an investigation into alleged irregularities. Police used tear gas, water cannon and batons to disperse protesters during clashes in Ranchi, according to reports.
Other state commissions have also altered examination schedules this year. The Bihar Public Service Commission postponed its 72nd Combined Competitive Examination preliminary test, which had been scheduled for July 26, citing unavoidable reasons. Its official examination calendar continues to list multiple recruitment processes at different stages.
In Maharashtra, the state government has sought to address concerns about both delays and examination reforms. Maharashtra Public Service Commission Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar said in June that the commission aimed to announce preliminary-examination results within 21 days and complete recruitment within the same year.
The planned shift to computer-based preliminary examinations, however, prompted protests from candidates. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis subsequently directed the MPSC to defer the transition until August 2027, saying the change should be introduced in phases and that candidates and agencies needed adequate preparation time.
The scrutiny comes as state commissions face pressure to fill government vacancies while maintaining examination integrity. A recent audit of Madhya Pradesh's public-service recruitment system called for examination calendars to be updated promptly and examinations to be conducted according to schedule, while also highlighting delays associated with recruitment procedures.
In Jharkhand, government talks with protesting aspirants remain the latest confirmed effort to address the dispute, while investigations into allegations surrounding recruitment examinations continue.
