Students’ protests demanding a single-shift examination system for Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exams entered their third day on Wednesday, with no signs of the agitation subsiding.
Hundreds of aspirants continued their sit-in outside the UPPSC office, Gate No 2, in Prayagraj, as they raised their voices against the commission’s decision to hold exams in multiple shifts.
The students are insisting that the upcoming Provincial Civil Services (PCS) and Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) exams conducted in a single shift, as was the norm in previous years.
They argue that this would make the process more efficient and fair for all candidates.
The protests have seen demonstrators shouting slogans and holding signs demanding justice, with chants of ‘One day, one exam’ resonating through the streets.
Authorities have ramped up security at the protest site, deploying UP Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain order.
Despite the heightened police presence, the protesters remain steadfast in their demand, which they claim will level the playing field for all candidates.
In a show of solidarity, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav is likely to visit Prayagraj on Thursday.
Yadav, who will land at Bamrauli Airport at 11:00 AM, is likely to address a public gathering in Rudapur village in Phulpur at 12:00 PM in support of SP candidate Mohammad Mujtaba Siddiqui for the Phulpur by-election.
His visit coincides with the ongoing student agitation, further intensifying the political climate in the region.
Meanwhile, the UP Police have filed an FIR against 12 individuals in connection with a vandalism incident that took place on Tuesday night.
The protestors allegedly destroyed fences and damaged coaching center boards.
Prayagraj Police Detain Several For UPPSC Protest Investigation, Confirms DCP
Prayagraj Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Bharti confirmed that the police have detained several people, who are now under investigation.
Despite the disturbances, the protests have remained largely peaceful, with demonstrators continuing their sit-in with supplies like biscuits and water.
On Tuesday, UPPSC officials visited the protest site in an attempt to engage with the students, explaining their policies and seeking feedback.
Despite these efforts, the students have not relented and have promised to continue their demonstration until they meet their demands.
The controversy began on 5 November, when UPPSC announced the RO/ARO preliminary exams would take place over three shifts on 22 and 23 December, and the PCS preliminary exams would occur on two separate days, 7 and 8 December.
This announcement drew strong criticism from candidates, who argue that splitting the exams into multiple shifts would create logistical challenges and unfair advantages.
Earlier this week, the protestors staged a sit-in outside the UPPSC headquarters, which was heavily guarded by police forces.
Despite the district magistrate and police commissioner meeting with protest representatives late at night, they did not reach a resolution.
On Tuesday, many protestors, including women, camped out overnight at the protest site, while others returned early on Wednesday to continue the agitation.
Protesters were seen carrying effigies of UPPSC Chairman Sanjay Shrinet and chanting anti-UPPSC slogans.
One protestor, Ganesh Singh, shared that UPPSC Secretary Ashok Kumar had visited the site twice to engage with the students.
However, the students remained resolute in their demand for a single-shift examination system.
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