Why cancel the entire examination, when BPSC denies widespread malpractice and has already conducted a re-test for the affected candidates.
BY PC Bureau
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has taken an active role in addressing the controversy surrounding the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. However, one would hope that he would not recommend canceling the entire examination, as such a move could undermine confidence in the state’s examination process and unfairly penalize students who have no grievances with the conduct of examinations..
The Governor should also recognize that, with assembly elections just a few months away, much of the protest–whether by Prashant Kishore Tejashwi Yadav or Pappu Yadav– is most likely orchestrated to serve their political agenda.
Where were these leaders when question papers were brazenly leaked in previous examinations in Bihar, with no ambiguity about the complete vitiation of the process?
प्रशांत किशोर की मुहिम का असर, महामहिम राज्यपाल ने छात्रों को मिलने के लिए बुलाया pic.twitter.com/h6V6fySDDa
— PK FOR CM (@PK_for_CM) January 13, 2025
Given the current situation, it is crucial for the Governor to recognize that thousands of students, who neither raised concerns nor were affected by allegations of misconduct, are now being unfairly drawn into the controversy.
At a press conference in Patna, on Monday , Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor said a delegation of BPSC aspirants planned to meet the Governor on Monday afternoon to discuss the matter. Kishor emphasized the need for a solution that balances fairness with justice for the majority of candidates.
Background on the Controversy
बिहार के पूर्व मंत्री उदित राय ने प्रशांत किशोर के अनशन की प्रशंसा करते हुए उन्हें सलाह दी कि वे इसे खत्म कर दें ताकि अपनी ऊर्जा और स्वास्थ्य को बनाए रख सकें। इससे वे सरकार द्वारा युवाओं के खिलाफ हो रहे अन्याय का मुकाबला और प्रभावी तरीके से कर सकें। उन्होंने प्रशांत किशोर के… pic.twitter.com/TUnjplRnZx
— JanSuraajForBihar (@ForSuraaj) January 13, 2025
The 70th Combined Competitive Examination, held on December 13, has faced allegations of question paper leakage. While the BPSC has denied any widespread malpractice, it has ordered a re-test for over 12,000 candidates from specific centers where complaints emerged.
Prashant Kishor revealed during the press briefing that Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has assured efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue between the government and the protesting aspirants. “The respected Governor has assured us that steps will be taken to address the concerns of the candidates. An 11-member delegation of aspirants will meet him regarding this,” Kishor said.
Prashant Kishor’s Protest
Kishor, who has taken up the aspirants’ cause, reaffirmed his commitment to a “fast unto death” until the December 13 exam is canceled. The 47-year-old, known for his past as a political strategist, was recently discharged from a Patna hospital following health concerns stemming from his hunger strike. His protest began after he was detained for holding a demonstration at a restricted site in the city. He was later granted bail but vowed to continue advocating for the affected aspirants.
Why the BPSC Exam Should Not Be Canceled
The recent allegations surrounding the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam, particularly the claims of paper leakage at a single examination center, have sparked a significant debate. While there have been complaints regarding the irregularity at one examination center, it is crucial to evaluate whether this isolated incident justifies the cancellation of the entire exam. A careful analysis of the situation reveals several compelling reasons why the BPSC exam should not be canceled.
- The Paper Leak Allegation is Limited to One Center
The most significant factor that argues against the cancellation of the entire BPSC exam is that the alleged paper leak or irregularity occurred at a single examination location — Bapu Pariksha Parisar– which only 22 centers out of the 900+ examination centers across the state. Reports suggest that no such complaints or irregularities were raised at any other center. The widespread nature of the exam and the absence of similar reports from other locations indicate that the exam process, in general, was conducted fairly and effectively.
- BPSC’s Proactive Response to the Allegations
In response to the paper leak claims, the BPSC denied the allegations and claimed that the allegations were ‘a conspiracy’ to force the exam’s cancellation. However, the BPSC later ordered a retest for select candidates, held on January 4 at 22 centers in Patna. Of 12,012 candidates eligible for the retest, 8,111 downloaded their admit cards, and 5,943 appeared for the examination.
- Impact on Thousands of Students
Cancelling the exam based on an isolated incident at one center would unfairly punish thousands of hardworking students who took the exam with sincerity and dedication. The vast majority of students who appeared for the BPSC exam across the state had not raised any concerns about irregularities at their respective centers. For these students, many of whom have put in considerable effort to prepare for the exam, the cancellation would not only be a logistical nightmare but also emotionally distressing.
Incidentally, may of the unaffected students have also joined the stir because they think cancellation would give them another cghance tio qualify for a dream office.
If a trend were established where a single instance of irregularity could lead to the cancellation of the entire exam, it would create a dangerous precedent. Such a scenario would mean that even minor issues at one examination center could potentially invalidate the efforts of thousands of students, causing further trauma and confusion.
- No Concrete Evidence of Widespread Irregularities
While there have been claims of paper leakage, there has yet to be any concrete evidence proving that the paper was indeed leaked. The BPSC has not been presented with any definitive proof of widespread irregularities that would warrant the cancellation of the entire examination. Without such evidence, it is unjust to invalidate the exam for everyone based on an incident at a single location.
- The Petition and the Court’s Response
In a petition filed by Jan Surraj and a group of students before the Patan High cCourt , the demand for the cancellation of the BPSC exam has been raised. The petitioners argue that the entire exam should be annulled based on the claims of irregularity. However, the response from the BPSC has been clear and concise: the Commission is committed to investigating any irregularities and has already taken action where necessary. The matter is listed for hearing on January 15.
The court is expected to examine the situation based on the evidence provided, and it seems unlikely that the entire exam will be annulled based on the irregularity at one location.
- The Case for Protecting the Integrity of the Exam Process
The BPSC exam is an essential part of the recruitment process for numerous government jobs in Bihar. For many candidates, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If the exam were to be canceled, the uncertainty and disruption would likely have long-term negative consequences on the future of many students who are already dealing with the pressures of competitive exams. It is essential to ensure that candidates who have worked hard and performed well are not unfairly penalized.
Conclusion
While the complaint of a paper leak at a single examination center is serious and warrants further investigation, it is disproportionate to cancel the entire BPSC exam. The BPSC has already taken action by canceling the exam at the affected center, and there is no widespread evidence of irregularities elsewhere. It is essential to balance accountability with fairness, ensuring that the thousands of students who appeared for the exam are not penalized due to an isolated incident. The focus should be on conducting a fair and transparent investigation while protecting the integrity of the examination process and the future of students who deserve a fair opportunity.
