The controversy surrounding the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) 70th Combined Competitive Examination took a serious turn as police arrested Dilip Kumar, the leader of the student protests, and lodged an FIR against Khan Global Studies, a popular coaching center in Patna. Concerns regarding the testing procedure, technical difficulties, and ambiguity around score normalization were the main causes of the continuous demonstrations.

The Arrest of Dilip Kumar

On Saturday, police detained Dilip Kumar for organizing large-scale student protests in Patna. He was charged with instigating public disorder, road barricade, and obstruction of government duty. Officials noted that this was not Kumar's first arrest for leading such agitations. His incarceration was a component of a larger campaign to curb disruptive behavior in public areas.

A senior police official commented, “Dilip Kumar has been sent to jail. Assembling in large numbers in a busy area and provoking students is a serious matter. We are examining video footage to identify others involved.”

FIR Against Khan Global Studies

During the protests, Khan Global Studies posted a video on its social media platforms claiming that its founder, Khan Sir, had been arrested. This fueled outrage and further confusion among students and the general public. However, police quickly clarified that Khan Sir was not arrested; instead, he had voluntarily visited the police station.

An FIR has been lodged against the coaching center for purportedly disseminating false information and heightening tensions. Authorities have underscored the necessity of mitigating misinformation, particularly during sensitive events such as protests related to competitive examinations.
 

The police stated, “The posts about Khan Sir’s arrest are false. He was not arrested but visited the station of his own accord.”

Khan Sir’s Support for Students

Khan Sir, a well-known educator and YouTuber, stood in solidarity with the protesting students. He backed their demands for the cancellation of the normalization process and an extension of the exam date due to technical issues faced by many aspirants during the application process. Additionally, he demanded that the head of the BPSC issue a written statement outlining the commission's position on normalization and assuring students of a fair examination procedure.

Police Actions and Legal Consequences

Two separate FIRs have been lodged in connection with the protests:

Against Dilip Kumar and 100 unidentified protesters for charges related to road blockade, disruption of duties, and inciting unrest.

Against Khan Global Studies’ social media handle for disseminating misleading claims about Khan Sir's arrest.

BPSC’s Response and Clarification

The BPSC preliminary exam is set for December 13, 2024, and admit cards have already been released. In response to the agitation, the commission issued an official statement confirming that there would be no normalization of scores in the upcoming examination. The commission labeled the protest as “misguided and unwarranted” and urged aspirants to ignore misinformation.

The commission’s communique read: “There is no normalization process under consideration. The exam will proceed as per the advertisement and guidelines issued.”

Impact of Protests on Aspirants

The recent events highlight underlying issues such as:

• Transparency in examination procedures.
• Technical glitches affecting application submissions.
• The need for clear and timely communication from authorities to prevent misinformation and confusion.

These protests serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing student grievances promptly and effectively.

Guidance for Aspirants

To navigate this challenging period, students should:

1. Stay Informed: Follow official BPSC announcements for accurate information.
2. Avoid Misinformation: Cross-check news and social media updates from credible sources.
3. Focus on Preparation: With the exam date confirmed, prioritize exam readiness and avoid distractions.

Conclusion

The BPSC exam protests reflect deeper systemic issues within the competitive examination process. While authorities are cracking down on misinformation and public unrest, aspirants are urged to remain patient, informed, and focused on their preparation. Ensuring fairness and transparency is a shared responsibility between the authorities and the students.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.