UPPSC Aspirants Protest: The current UPPSC Aspirants Protest in Prayagraj has drawn widespread media coverage as thousands of govt job seekers gather outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission office demanding single shift exams be held instead of multiple shifts and score normalization.
Candidates believe single-day exams would be fairer due to eliminating complications caused by multiple shifts and score normalization, and due to increased tensions, Prayagraj police filed FIRs against 12 individuals for vandalizing property during the protest.
Behind the UPPSC Aspirant’s Protest
UPPSC Aspirants Protest has its roots in candidates’ desire for a single shift in exams, which they believe would ensure a more level playing field. UPPSC currently conducts exams over several shifts due to its large applicant pool requiring score normalization processes, which many aspirants perceive as needing to be more transparent and equitable.
One protestor said a single shift exam would ensure everyone faces similar questions simultaneously, eliminating score adjustments.
Police Action and FIR Against Protestors
On Tuesday, the UPPSC Aspirants Protest took an unexpectedly violent turn when some individuals broke barriers and damaged boards outside the UPPSC office in Prayagraj.
Prayagraj Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Bharti confirmed that an FIR had been filed against 12 individuals while other protestors were detained “We aim to keep this protest peaceful,” Bharti stated, emphasizing the need to maintain order while upholding protestor rights.
Demand for Single Day Exams and Issues with Normalization
The UPPSC Aspirants Protest expresses candidates’ frustration with the current system, where exams are dispersed over multiple shifts and may vary in difficulty and level.
UPPSC uses normalization to adjust scores across shifts; however, candidates assert it doesn’t provide full justice in fairness – for instance, the Civil Services preliminary exams will take place over two days on December 7-8, while RO/ARO exams have three shifts planned.
Candidates often argue that normalization creates unnecessary confusion, while a single shift format would alleviate such problems. “It’s hard to trust results when we don’t know how our scores are adjusted,” commented an aspirant participating in the UPPSC Aspirants Protest.
Frustration Over Exam Delays and Cancellations
Candidates in the UPPSC Aspirants Protest have also voiced their displeasure over repeated delays and cancellations of exams, which has disrupted their preparation schedules.
For example, the PSC preliminary exam initially scheduled for March 2024 has been postponed multiple times until now set for December 2024; the RO/ARO exam paper leakage caused cancellation and further postponements for the RO/ARO paper exam scheduled in February 2024; this has created uncertainty among candidates; many argue a more streamlined single shift approach might help minimize disruptions while providing more excellent stability within exam schedule.
Political Support for the UPPSC Aspirant’s Protest
The UPPSC Aspirants Protest has earned political backing, with opposition leaders voicing their concerns over its handling.
Samajwadi Party Leader Akhilesh Yadav issued an open letter criticizing the state government, suggesting they ignored young people’s job concerns and issues on social media. On Twitter, he suggested “the rise of these students may be a sign of the current administration’s fall ” before condemning the government for prioritizing divisive issues over fulfilling students’ demands.
The state government, however, has stood behind UPPSC policies by maintaining that multiple shifts and score normalization measures are necessary due to an unprecedented high volume of applicants for consideration.
UPPSC Response to the Aspirants Demands
UPPSC officials met with protestors to explain their reasoning for multiple shifts score normalization policies and state that such procedures are essential in managing large applicant volumes. UPPSC invited students to provide better alternatives while encouraging open feedback.
Although UPPSC provided explanations, protestors remain dissatisfied, with their UPPSC Aspirants Protest expanding in size and intensity. Protestors remain outside UPPSC headquarters until their demand for single-shift exams is fulfilled.
The Path Ahead for UPPSC and Its Aspirants
The UPPSC Aspirants Protest highlights the significance of fair and reliable exam practices for govt job-seeking youth throughout Uttar Pradesh.
As more protestors become involved, political support could increase and create further pressure for UPPSC to review its exam policies, including using multiple shifts and score normalization.
UPPSC remains committed to its current format; however, aspirants have made one primary request: they want a single shift exam to create a more efficient testing process and bring about positive changes that bring them closer to reaching their career goals in public service. With the UPPSC Aspirants Protest growing larger each Day, students hope for meaningful changes that will move them closer to realizing their career dreams in this sector.
Also read: UPPSC RO ARO Exam Date
FAQs Related to UPPSC Aspirants Protest
Q1 Why Are UPPSC Aspirants Protesting?
Ans Protestors believe single-shift exams would be fairer and avoid issues related to score normalization across shifts.
Q2 Why did police file a FIR during the protest?
Ans Police filed an FIR against 12 individuals after some protestors allegedly damaged property outside the UPPSC office in Prayagraj.
Q3 What is Score Normalization, and Why Is it Controversial?
Ans Score Normalization adjusts scores taken during multiple exam shifts to balance out difficulty variations; some candidates consider this practice unfair and lacking transparency.
