Sixteen Arrested in Patna Constable Recruitment Test for Biometric Mismatch; Only 7,771 of 9,600 Candidates Appear

Patna: The seventh phase of the physical tests for Bihar’s constable recruitment process has concluded in Patna, with 16 candidates arrested after their biometric attendance failed to match. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns over malpractice in the recruitment process.

The candidates involved had reportedly arranged for scholars to sit the written examination on their behalf. Payments for this service ranged from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, with candidates paying an advance of between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh before the exam, and the remainder to be paid following the written test.

This week, a total of 9,600 candidates were scheduled to appear for the physical tests, but only 7,771 showed up. The recruitment drive, organised by the Central Selection Board (CSBC), is part of efforts to fill 21,391 vacancies within the Bihar Police.

In August 2024, the CSBC conducted the written examination for these positions, with 107,079 candidates passing. The tests, held on multiple dates throughout the month, are part of a process to fill the constable positions across Bihar. The recruitment had drawn significant attention, with over 1.7 million applicants, and around 1.2 million candidates taking part in the initial exams.

The second phase of the selection process, which includes physical tests and document verification for the 107,079 successful candidates, is currently underway. These tests will take place from 9 December 2024 to 10 March 2025 at Shaheed Rajendra Prasad Singh Government High School in the Gardanibagh area of Patna.