Fri Nov 15 15:31:51 IST 2024: ## UPPSC Backtracks, PCS Prelims 2024 to be Held on Single Day Following Student Protests

**Prayagraj, November 9, 2023:** In a major concession to protesting civil service aspirants, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) announced on Thursday that the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) preliminary exam-2024 will be held on a single day as per the old pattern. This comes after four days of demonstrations by students demanding a reversal of the commission’s earlier decision to hold the exam across two days.

The UPPSC had initially scheduled the PCS prelims for December 7 and 8, citing transparency and sanctity as reasons for conducting the exam in two shifts. However, the commission backpedaled following pressure from the protesting aspirants who argued that the multi-day format created a level playing field for candidates.

The decision was taken after a high-level meeting chaired by UPPSC chairman Sanjay Shrinet, who was directed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to engage with the students and address their concerns.

“Keeping in mind that the PCS is the most prestigious examination of the state, an in-principle decision has been taken to conduct the examination in one day as per the old pattern,” the UPPSC said in a statement.

While the UPPSC has relented on the PCS prelims, the students continue their protests demanding a similar decision for the Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) preliminary exams-2023.

The UPPSC has postponed the RO/ARO exams and formed a committee to review the exam format and ensure transparency. This committee will study the issue in detail and submit its recommendations soon.

The decision comes as a victory for the protesting students who launched a massive social media campaign against the multi-day exam format. Their protests, culminating in a large gathering at the UPPSC headquarters on November 11, forced the commission to reconsider its decision.

This incident highlights the increasing pressure on examination boards to be more transparent and responsive to the concerns of students.

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