Patna: Hundreds of students took to the streets in Patna, demanding the Bihar government conduct the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) before proceeding with the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE-4). Calling TRE-4 a “hoax” without the eligibility exam, protesters marched from Bhikhna Pahadi towards the Chief Minister’s residence, triggering traffic disruptions and prompting a heavy police presence across the city.
The demonstration began near Patna University, where students—many carrying placards and waving the national flag—raised slogans calling for transparency in the education department and timely conduct of recruitment exams. Their key demand: hold STET and Bihar Teacher Eligibility Test (BTET) before TRE-4 to ensure a fair and eligible selection process.
“This government hasn’t conducted STET in over 18 months,” said one protesting student. “Nearly five lakh aspirants across two sessions are left in limbo. We’re not even asking for jobs—we’re asking for the basic right to prove our eligibility.”
Another protester criticised the government’s recent push for TRE-4 despite the absence of STET. “If you’ve announced domicile policy, why deny STET? It’s not just unfair—it’s deceptive,” he said, adding that students from the 2023–24 academic session haven’t even received an opportunity to sit for STET.
Slogans such as “No STET, No Vote” echoed through the streets, and the rally caused congestion at key points like Gandhi Maidan and Dak Bungalow Square. Protesters, including many female students, vowed to continue their march in large numbers to the Chief Minister’s residence if their demands are not addressed.
