UPPSC Exam Protests in Prayagraj: Students Demand Single-Shift Exams Amid Government’s Attempts to Resolve Tensions
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is currently facing protests from a large number of students in Prayagraj. The demonstrators, who have been rallying outside the UPPSC office, are demanding a revision in the schedule for key recruitment exams, specifically for Provincial Civil Services (PCS) and the recruitment of Review Officers (RO) and Assistant Review Officers (ARO). In a recent decision, the commission agreed to conduct the PCS preliminary exam in a single shift, while also announcing the formation of a committee to evaluate the feasibility of organizing the RO/ARO exams similarly. This step, however, has been met with strong criticism from the protesting students, who claim it is an attempt to disperse their movement without truly addressing their concerns.
The core demand of the students centers around the timing of the exams. Originally, the commission had announced that the tests would be conducted over two days in separate shifts. Protesters believe this could lead to issues like paper leaks and discrepancies in exam fairness. In response, the UPPSC justified its decision by explaining that holding exams over multiple shifts helps maintain integrity by reducing logistical risks. According to a commission representative, only institutions that meet stringent criteria are designated as test centers, including a proximity requirement to public transport hubs and a track record free of irregularities. This arrangement, the spokesperson stated, ensures tighter control over potential cheating or malpractices.
Despite the commission’s assurances that results would be normalized to address any disparities arising from the multi-shift format—a practice reportedly upheld by judicial precedent—the student community remains unconvinced. Many perceive the move as insufficient and are determined to continue their protests until their demand for “one day, one shift” exams for both PCS and RO/ARO is fulfilled. The protesters argue that a verbal commitment alone is inadequate and demand a formal notification of the changes.
The unrest is unfolding amidst heightened political scrutiny. With nine Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh preparing for by-elections on November 20, opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, have seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling BJP government. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the state of ignoring legitimate student grievances for political convenience, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the commission’s handling of the matter as “insensitive.” These developments have added a political layer to what began as a student-driven agitation, complicating efforts to find a resolution.
The Yogi Adityanath-led government appears intent on resolving the situation swiftly. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has called for sensitivity and prompt action in addressing student demands to prevent further disruption of their studies. Nonetheless, students have expressed their dissatisfaction with the formation of a committee to review the exam format for RO/ARO posts, viewing it as a tactic to delay tangible reforms and weaken their resolve.
Many of the protesters have pointed out what they see as inconsistencies in the state’s approach to exams, referencing broader governmental initiatives like “one nation, one election” to highlight their demands for simplicity and uniformity in exam schedules. Calls for holding exams for nearly 10 lakh candidates in a single day reflect their concerns about fairness and the potential for logistical mishaps when exams are staggered.
Despite appeals for an amicable resolution, tensions remain high. Protesters, wary of perceived attempts to undermine their movement, continue to voice their demands outside the UPPSC office. Statements from some demonstrators suggest a deep mistrust of the government’s intentions, with accusations of a “divide and rule” strategy to separate the PCS and RO/ARO exams. Others have emphasized that their struggle is not politically motivated, even as opposition parties rally behind them. The situation remains dynamic, with the state government’s next steps likely to play a crucial role in either defusing or escalating tensions further.
The ongoing protests underscore a broader debate over the conduct of public exams in Uttar Pradesh, touching on issues of transparency, fairness, and the pressures faced by young aspirants in their pursuit of government jobs. For now, the student movement shows no signs of waning, as calls for comprehensive reform and accountability continue to echo through the streets of Prayagraj.