Jharkhand Public Service Commission Exam Irregularities Case: Arrest of Former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte

Retired IAS officer L. Khiangte, former Chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), was arrested by the Jharkhand CID on 10 August 2026 in connection with alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand State Civil Service examination. The arrest came after investigators reportedly found incriminating evidence suggesting that the contract to conduct the examination was allegedly awarded to a company in exchange for a ₹2 crore bribe. Amid the controversy, all three remaining JPSC members, Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad also resigned on 9 August 2026.

The developments followed massive student protests in Ranchi over alleged paper leaks and systemic irregularities in JPSC and JSSC (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission) examinations, leading to CID investigations, arrests and growing political friction.

Who is L. Khiangte?

L. Khiangte is a retired IAS officer who served as Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary before retiring in October 2024. He was appointed Chairman of the JPSC in February 2025. He resigned from the post in July 2026, amid allegations of irregularities in JPSC examinations.

What is JPSC and JSSC ?

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. It conducts examinations and makes recommendations for recruitment to various civil services and posts under the Jharkhand Government.

The Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) is a statutory body established under the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Act, 2008 (Jharkhand Act 16 of 2008). It conducts recruitment examinations and recommends candidates for appointment to various lower-level/subordinate services under the Jharkhand Government. Similarly, the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) is the recruitment body of the Delhi Government that conducts examinations and recommends candidates for appointment to various subordinate services, posts and departments of the Government of NCT of Delhi.

Alleged Bribery Deal -

● The 14th JPSC exam contract was allegedly awarded to a blacklisted company, TDPL in exchange for a ₹2 crore bribe.

● Investigators reportedly found incriminating evidence linking the contract to the alleged payment and irregularities in conduct of the examination.

CID Investigation -

The Jharkhand CID registered a case into alleged JPSC examination malpractice. The investigation led to L. Khiangte’s arrest after evidence allegedly emerged regarding the contract and bribery deal.

Students’ Protest -

The arrest occurred amid student protests in Ranchi. Students had reportedly been protesting for more than two weeks, raising concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the JPSC examination process.

Constitutional Significance -

State Public Service Commissions is a Constitutional body under Article 315 of the constitution, which states that there shall be a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) serves the Union, while State Public Service Commissions conduct recruitment-related functions for their respective states.

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a statutory body which comes under Union government