UPPSC Exam Protest : Tensions flared at the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) office as students continued their protest for a fourth consecutive day, demanding that the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) and RO/ARO preliminary exams be conducted on a single day instead of two. On Thursday, a large number of students gathered at the UPPSC office in Prayagraj, raising slogans and expressing their grievances. Some protesters even crossed barricades to demonstrate inside the premises.
The UPPSC had scheduled the PCS preliminary exam for December 7 and 8 and the Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) preliminary exams for December 22 and 23. Students have been protesting over the past few days, insisting on their single demand—to conduct these exams in a single day. They argue that this demand is simple and feasible to fulfill and are determined to continue protesting until it is met.
Prayagraj DCP Abhishek Bharti stated that certain anti-government elements might be inciting students to intensify these protests. He added that they are identifying and investigating such individuals. Bharti also appealed to students to continue their protests constitutionally. On Wednesday, cases were filed against those involved in damaging public property, and Prayagraj Collector Ravindra Kumar Mandar noted that despite repeated efforts, students have not agreed to discuss their demands.
UPPSC Deputy Secretary Ashok Kumar highlighted that students had previously demanded exams be conducted only in government institutions, especially after prior paper leaks in private institutions. In response, the Commission arranged for exams to be held exclusively in government institutions. He explained that while 576,000 candidates registered for the PCS exams, government centers could only accommodate 435,000 candidates, which necessitated the exams be held over two days.
