Patna: The Patna district administration has pledged to conduct the upcoming 70th Combined Main (Written) Competitive Examination, organised by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), in a “clean, malpractice-free and peaceful environment”. The examination, which begins on Friday 25 April and continues until 30 April, will take place across 32 centres in the city.
District Magistrate Dr Chandrashekhar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Avkash Kumar addressed centre superintendents, police officers and magistrates during a briefing at the Collectorate on Thursday, stressing the importance of zero tolerance towards cheating and procedural lapses.
“The examination is of utmost importance for the state, and we are fully committed to its smooth and fair conduct,” said Dr Singh. “All necessary administrative and security arrangements have been put in place, and officers have been instructed to maintain high alert and respond swiftly in any situation.”
To oversee operations, 39 static magistrates-cum-observers and 17 zonal magistrates have been deputed, with an additional five reserve magistrates stationed at the district control room. These officials will be supported by police officers and armed forces at each centre.
The administration has also invoked the Bihar Examination Conducting Act, 1981, under which any violation will result in strict legal action. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Criminal Procedure Code will be enforced around examination venues to prevent the gathering of crowds or anti-social elements.
Electronic devices banned
Candidates will be frisked thoroughly before entering the exam centres, and frisking arrangements have been made separately for female candidates. Entry will be denied after the reporting deadline, and a second round of checks will be carried out inside the examination hall.
Electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth gadgets, and pagers are strictly prohibited. Possession of any such items will lead to disqualification and potential barring from future exams.
Even invigilators and centre superintendents will not be allowed to carry smartphones into the centres. Only one basic (keypad) mobile phone per superintendent will be permitted. Compliance with these instructions has been made mandatory.
Coordination and control
The Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) has been appointed Assistant Coordinator, while District Programme Officer (Education), Rajkamal Kumar, has been designated as the exam’s Nodal Officer.
A dedicated control room at the BPSC office (0612-2215354) will remain operational daily from 9am to 6pm for any queries or emergencies.
Sub-divisional officers and police across Sadar, Danapur, Patna City and Phulwarisharif areas will be responsible for maintaining order at centres under their jurisdiction.
“All centre superintendents and officers must ensure that candidates face no inconvenience during the examination,” added SSP Kumar. “We are fully prepared and determined to uphold the integrity of this important examination.”
