Prayagraj (Allahabad): Intense protests erupted outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) office as thousands of students gathered to demand that the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) and Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) preliminary exams be scheduled on the same day. The UPPSC’s recent decision to hold the PCS exam over two days (December 7-8) and the RO/ARO exam over another two days (December 22-23) has triggered strong reactions among students who argue that the staggered dates create unnecessary logistical challenges.

Protesters claimed the revised schedule was not disclosed in the original recruitment notification and demanded a return to a single-day examination format. Many also expressed concerns about transparency and fairness in the recruitment process, a sentiment amplified by last year’s RO/ARO exam paper leak, which led to its cancellation. Students argue that the Commission’s shift in scheduling has shaken their confidence in the exam's integrity.

The protest saw students pushing through police barricades, with many gathering at Gate No. 2 of the UPPSC headquarters, chanting slogans against the commission. Law enforcement, including Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force personnel, deployed in large numbers, attempted to control the swelling crowds by dispersing them with a lathi charge. Despite the heavy police presence, students repeatedly regrouped, voicing their dissent.

Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party (SP) president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, condemned the police action, particularly the force used on female protesters, labelling it "reprehensible." Posting on X, Yadav criticized the BJP-led state government as “anti-youth” and accused it of betraying students with “anti-student policies.” He pledged his party’s support to the students and emphasized that their demands reflect deep-seated grievances over "rigging" and unfair practices in the UPPSC examination system.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Abhishek Bharti addressed the media, stating that the protesting students were advised to move to a designated protest area to ensure their demonstration could proceed peacefully. However, a significant number remained outside the commission office, demanding an immediate response from authorities.

Ankit Patel, a participant in the protests, noted that students are pressing for exams to be held in a single shift as before. Another aspirant, Manorama Singh, added that the commission’s failure to clarify the multi-day schedule in its initial announcement contributed to the mounting frustration among students.

With no resolution in sight, the situation has become a flashpoint between the UPPSC aspirants and the state government. Protesting students have vowed to continue their struggle for fair examination practices, while political voices like Yadav continue to draw attention to their cause, calling for accountability and transparency in the recruitment process.