The UPPSC announced on Thursday the formation of a committee to ensure transparency and fairness in the Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) exams. The students had been protesting since November 11, demanding single-day examinations for PCS, RO, and ARO prelims.
Revised Exam Schedule
UPPSC Secretary Ashok Kumar confirmed that the PCS Preliminary Exam-2024, initially scheduled for December 7 and 8, will now be held on December 22. The two shifts are set for 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The decision to postpone the RO-ARO exams has also been taken, pending recommendations from the newly formed committee.
Protest Wind-Down
Student leader Pankaj Pandey formally declared an end to the protests, stating, “The government has accepted one demand, and 90% of our second demand is on track. We will review the situation after the committee submits its report.”
Despite the announcement, a small group of 10-15 individuals continues to stage a sit-in at the UPPSC office. Authorities are investigating their motives, as the primary protest has officially ended.
ACP (Civil Lines) Shyamjeet Singh confirmed, “The main agitation has been called off. The remaining individuals appear to be protesting on their own accord.”
Also Read: UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024 To Be Held On December 22 In Two Sessions, Details Here
Student Reactions
The announcement brought relief to many PCS aspirants. Ganesh Dwivedi, a candidate, expressed satisfaction, saying, "Conducting the exam on a single day is a positive step and gives us clarity in preparation."
However, candidates preparing for RO and ARO exams remain anxious. Mayank Jain urged the authorities to finalize a date for these exams soon, adding that lingering uncertainty could delay students’ preparation.
Deepak Singh appreciated the timing of the decision, stating it would secure students' future and allow them to focus on their studies. Another student, Devendra Prajapati, expressed hope that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would intervene to expedite decisions regarding the RO-ARO exams.
Decline In Protest Numbers
Following the announcement, the number of protesters at the UPPSC office in Prayagraj dropped significantly, from over 10,000 on Thursday to a few hundred on Friday. As a result, roads near the Commission’s office have reopened, easing local traffic.
The UPPSC’s revised approach reflects its willingness to address students’ concerns, but the final resolution regarding RO-ARO exams is awaited.
