Hundreds of job seekers in Jharkhand are protesting alleged irregularities in a state civil service examination, weeks after similar youth-led demonstrations over exam paper leaks in Delhi. The protesters want the April preliminary exam cancelled and rerun, arguing that suspected manipulation has further undermined confidence in a system that offers many young Indians a crucial route to secure government employment.

Candidates point to answer sheets circulated online which appeared to show some successful applicants answered fewer questions than expected. Jharkhand’s CID is investigating, the next exam stage has been postponed, and the public service commission’s chairman resigned and was questioned; protesters are also seeking a federal CBI inquiry and wider reforms to delayed recruitment and examination processes.