Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Bihar Postpones BPSC Exams, Announces Single-Test Pattern Amid Protests
Bihar has delayed some public-service examinations.
The government says it wants to hold one common test instead of two.
Officials said there are many candidates and more preparation time is needed.
Students and political groups protested, saying the examination process was unfair.
Some protesters alleged corruption and discrimination against poorer students.
Police used water cannons when some students marched toward government offices and the Chief Minister’s residence.
The government says it is listening to students and wants examinations to be transparent.
It has created a committee to suggest examination reforms.
Officials also said the TRE-4 teacher recruitment examination will be held in one phase.
Bihar has postponed upcoming Bihar Public Service Commission examinations to prepare a unified single-test pattern.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the Chief Minister intervened after students demanded changes to the examination process.
Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) and Bhim Army members protested in Patna over alleged corruption, bias and rigged results.
Police deployed barricades, security personnel and water cannons as protesters attempted to march toward Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence.
The government announced a Special Expert Committee on Examination Reforms and said TRE-4 would be held in a single phase.
- Who
- The Bihar government, Bihar Public Service Commission, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, students, Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) and Bhim Army members.
- What
- Upcoming BPSC examinations were postponed while the government announced a single-test pattern; TRE-4 was also announced as a single-phase examination.
- When
- The announcement followed protests reported on Saturday; the articles do not provide an exact calendar date for the postponement.
- Where
- Patna, including Gandhi Maidan, Raj Bhavan and routes toward the Chief Minister’s residence.
- Why
- The government cited the large number of candidates and preparation needs, while protesters demanded action over alleged irregularities, corruption and discriminatory treatment.
Protesters’ demands and allegations
Government’s explanation and response
Reason for delaying or changing examinations
Protesters’ demands and allegations
Protesters said alleged corruption, irregularities and unfair treatment required the examination process to be revoked and investigated.
Government’s explanation and response
The government said the Chief Minister responded to students’ demands and that the BPSC needed more time to prepare because of the high number of candidates.
Accountability
Protesters’ demands and allegations
Protesters demanded the dismissal of the BPSC Chairman, an inquiry committee, suspension of training for currently enrolled candidates and the Education Minister’s resignation.
Government’s explanation and response
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the government had addressed students’ grievances and criticized the politicization of the issue.
Examination reform
Protesters’ demands and allegations
Protesters called for immediate action and said the existing process disadvantaged poorer students.
Government’s explanation and response
The government announced a single-test pattern for the BPSC process, a single-phase TRE-4 examination and a committee to recommend broader examination reforms.
- Examination affected
- Upcoming Bihar Public Service Commission examinations
- Government decision
- A unified single-test pattern will replace the planned two-exam approach, according to the Education Minister.
- TRE-4 decision
- The government said the TRE-4 examination will be conducted in a single phase.
- Protest location
- Gandhi Maidan in Patna
- Protest allegations
- Protesters alleged corruption, discriminatory treatment and rigged results.
- Police response
- Barricades and security deployments were reported; police also used water cannons to disperse marching students.
- Reform body
- A Special Expert Committee on Examination Reforms was constituted, chaired by a Patna High Court judge.