The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is conducting a re-examination today, January 4, 2025, for approximately 12,000 candidates in Patna. This decision follows allegations of irregularities during the initial exam held on December 13, 2024, at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre. To ensure fairness, the candidates have been redistributed across 22 examination centres in the city.
In light of ongoing protests challenging the exam’s legitimacy, the Patna District Magistrate, Gaurav Kumar, has implemented Section 163 of the Criminal Procedure Code to maintain order around the examination venues. This measure, effective from 8 AM to 5 PM today, prohibits public gatherings of more than five people within a 100-metre radius of the centres. Additionally, demonstrations, processions, and the use of loudspeakers without prior permission are banned. Candidates and their companions are also restricted from carrying mobile phones or smart devices near the examination sites.
The re-examination is taking place amid intensified protests. On January 3, thousands of students disrupted rail and road traffic in Patna, with some groups attempting to march to the Chief Minister’s residence. The situation escalated when police used force, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators. In response, Jan Suraj Party leader Prashant Kishor commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, demanding action against the police and the cancellation of the exam.
Authorities are enforcing strict security measures to ensure that today’s re-examination proceeds without incident, despite the ongoing unrest among students and protesters.
