Supreme Court to Hear Plea Seeking CBI Probe into Jharkhand PSC Exam Irregularities

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination, amid continuing controversy surrounding the recruitment test.

The petition has sought the transfer of the investigation from the Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to the CBI, arguing that the allegations are serious and extensive enough to warrant an independent investigation by a central agency. The matter is scheduled to come up before the apex court on August 24.

The plea was filed by social activist Harisharan Devgan through advocate Satyam Singh Rajput. It seeks a comprehensive and time-bound investigation into alleged malpractice associated with the examination. The petitioner has called for scrutiny of all individuals and agencies that may have played a role in the alleged irregularities.

According to the petition, the investigation should examine the possible involvement of officials, examination-centre personnel, technical service providers, scanning and evaluation agencies and other organisations connected with the conduct and processing of the examination. The controversy relates to the JPSC preliminary examination conducted on April 19, 2026. Allegations of irregularities triggered protests by aspirants across Jharkhand, with candidates demanding that the examination be cancelled and that the matter be investigated independently.

The protests continued for several weeks, putting pressure on the state government and the recruitment commission. On August 19, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government announced the cancellation of the examination amid the growing controversy and demands from candidates.

The plea before the Supreme Court argues that transferring the investigation to the CBI would help ensure an impartial examination of the allegations. The petitioner has, however, clarified that the request is not intended to suggest that the state CID is acting in bad faith. Instead, the petition maintains that the scale and nature of the alleged irregularities require a broader investigation, particularly because the case could involve multiple agencies and personnel associated with the state’s recruitment process.

Recruitment tests conducted by public bodies are closely watched because their results determine access to government positions. The Supreme Court’s consideration of the plea could therefore have wider implications for the ongoing investigation and the future handling of the JPSC examination controversy. The court is expected to consider whether the circumstances justify transferring the case to a central investigating agency and what further steps should be taken to ensure a fair and credible probe.