Bihar students march towards CM's residence, demand cancellation of BPSC, SI exams

Students staged a protest in Patna on Tuesday, marching towards the Chief Minister's residence while demanding the cancellation and re-conduct of the Bihar Police Sub-Inspector (SI) and 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations.

The protesters alleged irregularities in the examinations and raised concerns over paper leaks. They demanded a fair investigation, corrective action and greater transparency in the recruitment process. Heavy security was deployed as police monitored the demonstration.

Students demand fresh examinations

The latest protest comes amid continued discontent over the conduct of competitive examinations in Bihar. Students raised slogans and sought the cancellation of the two examinations, along with fresh tests.

The protests have also included demands for wider reforms in the examination system. Police had used water cannons a day earlier to disperse students marching towards Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister's residence over alleged irregularities in the BPSC examination.

BPSC exams put on hold

On September 2, Bihar Education minister Mithilesh Tiwari said upcoming BPSC examinations had been postponed as the state worked towards introducing a single-test pattern.

Tiwari said the decision followed intervention by the state leadership after students raised concerns about the examination process. He added that the large number of candidates meant the commission needed additional time to make arrangements.

“The number of candidates is very high and the BPSC needs time to make arrangements. The examination has therefore been postponed. The commission will announce the new dates once preparations are complete,” Tiwari said.

The minister also defended the postponement, saying the BPSC needed adequate time to ensure that the examination was conducted transparently.

“I have little to say to those who are politicising the issue. These steps are being taken for the benefit of students. If we want a transparent examination without irregularities, the BPSC must be given adequate time,” he said.

Government announces examination reforms

Amid the protests, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the government had decided to conduct this year's TRE-4 examination in a single phase. He also said nine other decisions had been taken in response to students' demands.

The state has also formed a Special Expert Committee on Examination Reforms to recommend changes to various examinations. A Patna High Court judge will chair the panel, which will also consider complaints submitted by students.

Separately, the Bihar Education Department said steps would soon be taken to begin recruitment for librarian posts based on available vacancies.