Patna: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Preliminary Test (PT) exam, which was canceled following chaos at the Bapu Center in Patna on December 13, will be re-conducted today. The exam, set to take place across 22 centers in Patna, will run in a single shift from 12 pm to 2 pm, with entry beginning at 9:30 am. Latecomers will not be allowed entry after 11 am. Approximately 12,000 candidates are expected to appear for the exam.
Revised Guidelines for Smooth Conduct
In light of the previous disruption, the district administration has implemented stringent guidelines. District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh and SSP Avkash Kumar have instructed officials to take strict action against malpractices. To ensure fairness, no individual except the center superintendent will be permitted to carry a mobile phone, and CCTV cameras will be used for surveillance.
Background: Allegations of Paper Leak and Protests
The earlier exam, held on December 13, was marred by allegations of a question paper leak at the Bapu Center. The commission admitted to irregularities and announced a re-examination. On the same day, a protest erupted, during which a candidate was reportedly slapped by Patna District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh.
In response to the alleged paper leak and subsequent handling of the situation, candidates have been protesting in Gardanibagh for the past 15 days, demanding the cancellation of the entire examination. Additionally, Prashant Kishore, the founder of Jan Suraaj, has been on a hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan since Thursday evening in solidarity with the students.
Enhanced Security Measures
To ensure a malpractice-free and orderly examination process, the administration has deployed 24 static magistrates, 22 zonal magistrates, and seven flying squads. Armed police personnel will also be on duty, and 14 magistrates have been stationed in the district control room.
Access to exam centers will be restricted within a 200-meter radius after 7 am, with only candidates permitted in the area. The police have been instructed to act firmly against anti-social elements and those spreading rumors.
