The massive student protest that erupted outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) office in Prayagraj entered its third day on Wednesday, November 13, as over 30,000 aspirants voiced their outrage over changes to the PCS (Provincial Civil Services) and Review Officer (RO) examinations. Students expressed their strong opposition to the recent modifications in the examination schedule and format, specifically demanding the restoration of the traditional “one day, one shift” system.
The protest saw an overwhelming turnout of competitive exam candidates from across the state, who have been mobilising under the banner of the “Maha Dharna” movement. Students were seen sloganeering outside Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Office Gate No 2. UP police personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were also present at the spot to contain the crowd.
The UPPSC students’ protest centres around the recent changes made to the PCS and Review Officer (RO) exams. Historically, these exams were held in a single shift on a single day. However, the UPPSC has decided to extend the examinations over two days, a move that has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among students. According to the aspirants, the previously-conducted single-shift exam was a much fairer process and was also more manageable.
The students argued that the alteration undermined the integrity and fairness of the exam process. Speaking to Local 18, a group of protesting students explained that the introduction of a two-day examination would not only complicate the process but also lead to discrepancies in the difficulty levels of the questions. With two different shifts on separate days, students worry that the questions could vary drastically in difficulty, leaving some candidates at a distinct disadvantage.
A student, Harendra, pointed out, “For instance, if the Maratha struggle is covered in the first shift and the Mysore War in the second, no student can predict which section will be harder. It’s not as if the questions follow any set formula. This system is inherently flawed and unfair.”
Despite their frustration, the students remain determined. They have pledged to continue their protests until their demands are met. The protestors are calling for a clear, public commitment from the UPPSC to return to the traditional examination format of one shift per day, and to stop introducing disruptive changes without proper consultation or communication with the candidates.
Moreover, the aspirants have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in how the examinations are being restructured. Students feel that the UPPSC’s sudden changes reflect a disregard for the candidates’ preparation efforts and the established norms of fairness. They argue that the switch to a two-day format without adequate explanation or notice is detrimental to their chances of success and runs counter to the principles of standardised testing.
One striking feature of the protest has been the absence of any central leadership. With no prominent political or student leaders at the helm, the protest has been entirely student-driven. Every participant in the protest, whether a college student or a working professional, has been seen actively leading discussions and rallies.
The students have made it clear that they are not simply protesting for the sake of protest, but are genuinely concerned about the long-term implications of these changes on their future careers. They referenced the earlier delay in the PCS exam, which was initially scheduled for 17 March but was postponed to 24 October due to a leak in the Review Officer’s exam paper.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by the UPPSC regarding the protest or the demands of the students. The protesting students have been engaged in talks with local officials, including the District Magistrate and the Commissioner, but as of late evening, no resolution had been reached.
The situation has drawn attention from across the state and beyond, with many student bodies and advocacy groups offering support to the protesting candidates. The coming days could see more actions as the students press for transparency, fairness, and accountability from the UPPSC.
Meanwhile, UP Police registered an FIR against 12 individuals in connection with vandalisation during the protest. As per the officials, a few miscreants broke barriers and destroyed coaching boards on Tuesday night following which the Police registered an FIR against 12 individuals. Some have also been taken into police custody, said Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Bharti.
Despite prior warnings, the UPPSC had implemented heavy barricades around its office to prevent student protests, but the students broke through these barriers and assembled at the gates, determined to press their demands.
