A protest by competitive examination aspirants began outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) headquarters on Monday. The demonstration was organised to protest the Commission’s alleged lack of transparency in several examinations, including PCS and RO-ARO. Students gathered outside the main gate, expressing anger over the non-disclosure of revised answer keys, cut-off marks and individual score details, and demanded that the Commission ensure fairness and openness in its examination process.
The protest was initially peaceful, with students assembling in limited numbers during the morning hours. However, as the day progressed, the crowd grew significantly, with aspirants from nearby districts joining the agitation. By noon, a large group of students had gathered near Gate No. 2 of the Commission, holding placards and banners while raising slogans against the UPPSC and alleging irregularities in recruitment examinations. The situation led to congestion on nearby roads, drawing the attention of the police and local administration.
In view of the increasing crowd and traffic disruption, a heavy police deployment was made in and around the Commission premises. Police personnel, along with members of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), intervened to clear the protest site. During this process, tensions escalated and clashes broke out between students and police, leading to pushing and shoving. The police used mild force to disperse some protesters and detained several students, though those taken into custody were later released.
Student leader Ashutosh Pandey, who was leading the protest, stated that questions regarding transparency in UPPSC examinations have been raised repeatedly over the years. He alleged that despite sustained demands, the Commission has failed to provide any permanent or satisfactory solution. According to him, even after final results are declared, the continued non-publication of revised answer keys, category-wise cut-offs and detailed marks lists raises serious doubts about the fairness of the selection process.
Pandey said the ongoing protest reflects widespread dissatisfaction and distrust among aspirants, who believe that transparency is essential to maintain confidence in the examination system. He emphasised that the students were protesting peacefully to assert their rights and seek accountability from the Commission.
The primary demands of the protesting students include the immediate release of revised final answer keys, publication of cut-off marks for all categories, disclosure of marks obtained by all candidates, and uploading carbon copies of OMR sheets on the official UPPSC website. Additionally, students have demanded the public release of answer keys and the final revised versions of objective-type questions asked in the main examinations.
The Competitive Student Struggle Committee, which coordinated the protest, clarified that the movement was strictly non-political in nature. Organisers had explicitly prohibited the use of flags, banners or slogans associated with any political party at the protest site. Students stated that any attempt to politicise the agitation or disrupt its peaceful character would not be tolerated, and those responsible would be identified and removed from the movement by the students themselves.
Despite these assurances, the protest site witnessed rising tension as the crowd expanded. Representatives of several student organisations extended support to the agitation, with speakers appealing for dialogue between the Commission and protesting aspirants. Administrative officials and Commission representatives also made intermittent attempts to persuade the students to disperse and engage through formal channels. However, protesters remained firm, stating that the agitation would continue until concrete assurances were provided regarding their demands.
Meanwhile, Pankaj Pandey of Hunkar Manch alleged that he was detained by the police and prevented from participating in the protest. He claimed to have convened an online meeting on Tuesday to discuss future strategies for the movement. Prashant Pandey, media in-charge of the Competitive Student Struggle Committee, said that the demands raised by students were ignored, prompting organisers to plan a revised course of action.
The situation escalated further when the police administration placed student leaders Pankaj Pandey and Ashutosh Pandey under house arrest. Ashutosh Pandey was admitted to a medical college hospital due to ill health, following which he was placed under house arrest. Pankaj Pandey also alleged that he was confined to prevent him from joining the protest. Ashutosh Pandey further claimed that the police administration was threatening to implicate him in an extortion case, allegations that have heightened tensions between students and authorities.
Amid the ongoing agitation, controversy emerged over the raising of objectionable slogans.
Prashant Pandey stated that during the proposed student protest, some political party activists allegedly raised provocative slogans against the government while displaying large banners and posters. This reportedly angered many students and led to disagreements within the gathering. As a result, a section of students chose to withdraw from the protest, citing concerns over politicisation and disruption of the movement’s original objectives.
Despite these developments, student leaders maintained that their core demands remain unchanged and emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in competitive examinations. They reiterated that aspirants would continue to press for dialogue and reforms, while also seeking assurances that future recruitment processes would be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.