Aspirants for the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exams have been protesting in Prayagraj for three days, demanding the reinstatement of a “one day, one shift” examination format. The protests began after UPPSC announced that the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer (RO-ARO) exams would be held over two days in multiple shifts. Protesters argue that this change could lead to confusion and unfairness in the selection process. The situation escalated with police intervention, resulting in an FIR against twelve individuals for vandalism during the protests.

Aspirants Demand Fairness 

Thousands of students gathered outside the UPPSC headquarters in Prayagraj, chanting slogans and holding placards that read “One day, one exam.” The protests were sparked by an announcement from UPPSC on November 5, stating that the RO-ARO exams would take place on December 22 and 23, while the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) exams would occur on December 7 and 8. Protesters believe that conducting exams on separate days increases the risk of irregularities and undermines fairness. Despite attempts by local officials to negotiate with the students, including visits from UPPSC representatives, no resolution has been reached, and protesters are prepared to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.

Background of Discontent 

This protest follows a history of dissatisfaction among UPPSC aspirants regarding exam scheduling and transparency. Past incidents, including delayed exam dates and concerns over paper leaks, have led to a growing mistrust in the commission’s ability to conduct fair assessments. As many as 576,000 candidates have registered for the PCS exam, but only 435,000 can be accommodated at examination centres across Uttar Pradesh. Critics argue that this logistical challenge could be mitigated by returning to a single-day examination format. Political figures, including Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, have weighed in on the protests, accusing the ruling BJP government of neglecting job creation and using communal politics to distract from pressing issues like unemployment.

Major Developments

1. 11 November – Protest Enters Third Day
The protest by UPPSC aspirants demanding a “one day, one shift” examination format entered its third day in Prayagraj. Students continued to gather outside the UPPSC headquarters, insisting that the upcoming Provincial Civil Services (PCS) and Review Officer-Assistant Review Officer (RO-ARO) exams be held in a single shift. The police presence increased as tensions rose, leading to an FIR against twelve individuals for vandalism during the protests. Prayagraj Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Bharti confirmed that some individuals were taken into custody following incidents of vandalism.

2. 10 November – Government Officials Attempt to Negotiate
On this day, district officials, including District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar and Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba, met with the protesters in an effort to persuade them to end their demonstration. Despite these discussions being inconclusive, officials requested that students move their protest away from the commission’s office to a nearby designated area. However, students remained steadfast in their demands for a reversal of UPPSC’s decision to conduct exams over multiple days and shifts.

3. 9 November – Protests Spark Political Debate
The protests gained political traction as Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav publicly supported the students, condemning the government’s handling of the situation. He criticized the ruling BJP for neglecting job creation and accused them of using communal politics to distract from pressing issues like unemployment. Yadav’s statements resonated with many students who felt frustrated by the current recruitment processes.

4. 8 November – Announcement of Exam Format Changes
The UPPSC announced that the RO and ARO preliminary examinations would take place on December 22 and 23 in three shifts, while the PCS prelims were scheduled for December 7 and 8 in two shifts. This decision prompted immediate backlash from aspirants who argued that conducting exams on separate days would compromise fairness and integrity in the selection process.

5. 7 November – Initial Protests Begin
Protests began outside the UPPSC headquarters as thousands of candidates gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the newly announced exam structure. Demonstrators raised slogans and disrupted traffic while demanding that UPPSC revert to a single-day examination format. The protests intensified throughout the day as more students joined in solidarity against what they perceived as an unjust decision by the commission.

Official Response from Yogi Adityanath

In response to the ongoing protests, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated, “Under my leadership, our government has consistently prioritized fair recruitment processes and has taken stringent actions against any irregularities. We understand the concerns of our youth regarding the UPPSC examinations and are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard. I urge all officials to engage with the students constructively and find a solution that allows them to focus on their preparations rather than protests.”

The Logical Indian’s Perspective 

The ongoing protests highlight a critical need for dialogue between students and authorities to foster a transparent and fair examination process. It is essential for the UPPSC to listen to the concerns of aspirants and consider their demands seriously to restore confidence in the recruitment system. The Logical Indian stands firmly for peaceful resolutions and urges all stakeholders to engage constructively. How can we ensure that our educational systems remain fair and accessible for all aspiring civil servants?