Fri Nov 15 15:31:44 IST 2024: ## UPPSC Concedes to Student Demands, Postpones RO/ARO Exam, Reverts PCS Prelims to Old Pattern
**Prayagraj, December 7, 2023:** Following five days of intense protests by aspiring civil servants, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has finally yielded to student demands. The commission announced the postponement of the Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) exam and the reversion of the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) Prelims exam to its original format.
The decision comes after a massive demonstration outside the UPPSC office by students demanding a single-shift exam for the RO/ARO exam. The protesters argued that the multi-shift format led to unfair normalization processes, impacting their chances.
The UPPSC has also formed a committee to address concerns regarding the RO/ARO exam. The commission, however, has announced that the PCS Prelims will now be held on December 22nd in two shifts, a change from the initial schedule of December 7th and 8th.
While the announcement has brought joy to some students preparing for the PCS Prelims, many preparing for the RO/ARO exam remain skeptical. Rahul Pandey, a protesting student, expressed distrust in the commission’s decision, stating that no official notification regarding the change has been uploaded on the UPPSC website.
Other students expressed concerns that the decision is politically motivated, calling it a “divide and rule” tactic designed to disperse the protesting students. They maintain that the government is trying to manipulate the situation to benefit certain groups.
The protests, marked by thali-banging, slogans, and eye-catching posters, have brought traffic to a standstill in the area. Security forces have been deployed to manage the crowds.
The future of the RO/ARO exam remains uncertain. The students have vowed to continue their agitation until the issue is fully resolved to their satisfaction.
First Piper 