The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has officially released the notification for the 14th Combined Civil Services Examination (CCE) 2026. While the announcement brings hope for thousands of aspirants, it has also sparked a major controversy regarding the age limit cut-off.
The long wait for government job aspirants in Jharkhand is finally over—but not without complications. The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has released the official notification (Advertisement No. 01/2026) for the 14th Combined Civil Services Examination.
The commission is looking to fill 103 vacancies across various prestigious state departments, including Deputy Collector and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The online application window is now open, and the Preliminary exam is scheduled for March 8, 2026.
However, the headlines are currently dominated by student protests. A large section of aspirants is unhappy with the age cut-off date, claiming it unfairly disqualifies candidates who have been waiting years for this opportunity.
Key Highlights: 14th JPSC 2026 at a Glance
If you are planning to apply, here are the official details you need to know immediately:
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| Event | Details |
| Exam Name | 14th Combined Civil Services Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 103 Posts |
| Online Application Start | January 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 14, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | March 8, 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | May 2–4, 2026 |
| Official Website | www.jpsc.gov.in |
The Controversy: Why Are Students Protesting?
While the notification is out, the mood among students in Ranchi and across Jharkhand is tense. The primary issue is the Age Limit Cut-off Date.
According to the new notification, the JPSC has set August 1, 2026, as the cut-off date for determining the maximum age of candidates. This has angered many aspirants.
The Argument:
Student groups argue that the JPSC Civil Services exams have not been conducted regularly. There was a significant gap between the 11th-13th JPSC exams and this current 14th notification. Because of this delay, thousands of candidates have crossed the upper age limit while waiting for the notification.
The Demand:
Protesting students are demanding that the cut-off date be shifted back to 2018 or 2019. They argue this would provide a fair “age relaxation” to those who lost years due to the commission’s delays. Student leaders have already organized peaceful protests and “gheraos” of the JPSC office in Ranchi, warning that agitation will intensify if the government does not intervene.
Vacancy Details & Posts
The 103 seats are divided among several high-ranking administrative roles. The top posts in this recruitment cycle include:
- Deputy Collector: 28 Posts
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP): 42 Posts
- District Commandant: 02 Posts
- Assistant Municipal Commissioner: 10 Posts
- Probation Officer & Others: Remaining posts
Note: The number of vacancies is relatively lower compared to previous years (the 11th-13th JPSC had 342 seats), which has added to the competition and anxiety among aspirants.
How to Apply for JPSC 2026
The application process is entirely online. Candidates must complete their forms before the deadline to avoid server issues.
- Visit the Website: Go to the official JPSC website (jpsc.gov.in).
- OTR Registration: If you are a new user, complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill the Form: Log in and select “Online Application for Combined Civil Services Exam-2026”.
- Upload Documents: Upload your latest photo, signature, and necessary caste/educational certificates.
- Pay Fee:
- General/EBC/EWS: ₹100
- SC/ST (Jharkhand Domicile): ₹50
- Print: Save the final confirmation page for future reference.
What Happens Next?
For now, the exam schedule is fixed. The Preliminary Exam will be an objective-type test held on March 8, 2026. It consists of two papers (General Studies I and II), both of which are compulsory.
However, aspirants should keep a close watch on local news. If the student protests regarding age relaxation gain more momentum, the state government or the High Court might intervene, which could lead to a corrigendum (change) in the notification dates or rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the 14th JPSC exam?
The last date to submit the online application is February 14, 2026. You must pay the fee by February 16, 2026.
Q2: When is the JPSC Prelims exam 2026?
The Preliminary exam is scheduled for March 8, 2026.
Q3: Is there any age relaxation for the 2026 exam?
As of the current notification, the cut-off date is August 1, 2026. Students are protesting for a relaxation back to 2018, but no official change has been made yet.
Q4: How many vacancies are there in the 14th JPSC?
There are a total of 103 vacancies, including posts for Deputy Collector and DSP.
Q5: Can final year college students apply?
Yes, final year students can apply, provided they have their degree marksheet by the time of the Mains document verification (dates subject to specific notification rules).