Indian Police Use Water Cannons During Protest Over Civil Services Exam
Police in India’s eastern state of Bihar used water cannons and detained several protesters on Tuesday during a demonstration over allegations of irregularities in a civil services recruitment examination.
The protesters were demanding the cancellation of the examination and calling for action over claims involving leaked question papers and other concerns related to the test.
Students Protest in Patna
The demonstration took place in Patna, where protesters attempted to march toward the governor’s residence.
Footage released by news agency ANI showed hundreds of protesters moving through police barricades before authorities used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Some protesters were also taken away in police vehicles.
The Bihar Public Service Commission examination is a competitive state-level test used to select candidates for administrative positions.
Dispute Over Examination
The controversy relates to an examination held in December 2024. More than 300,000 candidates reportedly appeared for around 2,000 positions.
The recruitment process included two rounds of examinations followed by interviews, with successful candidates selected in June.
The Bihar government has previously rejected claims of a widespread question paper leak. However, authorities ordered a re-examination at one examination centre following concerns raised at the time.
Authorities Say Demands Have Been Addressed
Senior police officer KS Anupam told Reuters that the demonstration had become peaceful and said most of the protesters’ demands had been addressed by the government.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari also said the government had responded to the students’ concerns, while indicating that discussions with protesters could continue.
The latest demonstration comes amid broader concerns over competitive examinations in India, with student groups in several states calling for greater transparency and accountability in recruitment tests.
Authorities in Bihar and student representatives are expected to continue discussions over the issues raised by protesters.
