Patna Protest: Bhim Army Demands Judicial Probe Into 70th BPSC Exam

Patna witnessed a confrontation on Saturday as Bhim Army activists protested over alleged irregularities in the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The protesters marched from Gandhi Maidan, demanding a judicial inquiry into the examination and an 85 per cent reservation policy for Bihar candidates in state government recruitment.

The demand for an independent probe stems from concerns over the examination’s conduct. Candidates have raised allegations involving the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre, where question-paper distribution problems triggered disruption during the December 2024 preliminary examination. BPSC cancelled the test at that centre and conducted a re-examination on January 4, 2025, but rejected demands to cancel the examination statewide. Protesters have continued to question whether centre-specific action adequately addressed wider concerns about fairness and transparency.

The Bhim Army also wants greater preference for Bihar residents in government hiring. Its proposed 85 per cent domicile-based reservation is distinct from caste-based quotas and seeks to ensure that a majority of government vacancies go to Bihar candidates. The demand comes amid broader frustration among aspirants over recruitment opportunities and examination procedures.

The existing reservation framework is primarily category-based. Bihar’s attempted 2023 expansion raised reservations for SCs, STs, BCs and EBCs to 65 per cent, alongside the 10 per cent EWS quota, but the Patna High Court later struck down the amendments. Thus, the protesters’ domicile demand represents a separate policy proposal.

During Saturday’s march, protesters gathered near Gandhi Maidan and moved towards JP Golumber. According to SP City (Central) Mamta Kalyani, demonstrators attempted to breach police barricades and refused repeated requests to clear roads that were disrupting traffic. A scuffle broke out as police moved to disperse the crowd.

Authorities used barricading and repeated appeals before dispersing the protesters. Local reports said several demonstrators were detained. Police said the action was aimed at restoring traffic and preventing further disruption.

The confrontation highlights how the BPSC controversy has evolved into a broader debate over exam transparency, accountability, recruitment opportunities and local employment preferences in Bihar.