Chaos erupted at Patna’s Bapu Examination Center during the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Preliminary Exam on Friday, December 13, 2024, as candidates alleged a question paper leak. The protests quickly escalated, prompting intervention from security personnel. However, the BPSC dismissed the claims, labeling them baseless rumors, and emphasised that the exam, conducted at 912 centers across the state, adhered to strict security protocols.

Protests over alleged paper leak

Tensions flared after 1 PM when candidates at the Bapu Center accused authorities of leaking the exam paper. The accusations sparked widespread protests, with many examinees demanding immediate clarification. Security forces were deployed to manage the growing crowd, ensuring the situation didn’t spiral out of control.

Responding to the uproar, the BPSC issued a statement categorically denying any breach of examination integrity. Officials assured that stringent anti-malpractice measures, including advanced surveillance systems, were in place. “The claims of a paper leak are completely unfounded. We have implemented robust mechanisms to ensure fairness and transparency,” a BPSC official stated.

To maintain the sanctity of the examination, over 25,000 CCTV cameras were installed for live monitoring across all centers. A Command Control Center at BPSC headquarters coordinated the surveillance, with technical teams in each district ensuring real-time oversight. Any suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized discussions among candidates, was flagged and acted upon immediately by center authorities.

Command Centre oversight and investigations

The Command Center not only monitored the exam in real-time but also documented irregularities for further investigation. This year’s recruitment drive, the largest in BPSC’s history, offered 2,031 vacancies and saw lower attendance compared to the 4.80 lakh registered candidates.

The BPSC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the fairness of the process. Officials assured that any allegations of malpractice would be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in conducting large-scale examinations and the critical need for effective safeguards against both misconduct and misinformation.