What is the problem of normalization in canceling BPSC exam? Know why students are adamant on protesting

BPSC 70th CCE Re Exam 2024 Protest: The uproar is increasing regarding the 70th Combined Preliminary Examination of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Students are on the streets. They are facing lathicharge and warning to remain on strike till their demand of cancellation of examination is met. The examination controversy is also being politicized. Opposition parties are attacking the NDA government of Bihar. Some leaders involved in the government of Bihar politics have also started talking about immediate intervention of the government.

What is BPSC exam?

BPSC had invited applications for the 70th Combined (Preliminary) Examination from September 28. About 1957 vacant posts are to be filled through this exam. Earlier the last date of application was 18th October, but due to rumors spread before the examination regarding normalization, performance of the students and some technical problems encountered in the application, the last date was extended to 4th November. About 4.80 lakh applications were received. The examination also took place on 13th December. Under this examination, appointments are made to many important posts like Deputy SP, Deputy Collector, Senior Deputy Collector, Revenue Officer. Candidates are selected on the basis of Prelims, Mains and Personality Test.

Where did the controversy start?

After the release of notification for the examination, the first controversy regarding normalization came to light. Candidates started protesting against this. After this BPSC had to clarify that normalization has not been implemented in this examination. The Commission also gave clarification in this regard in the newspapers. Students demonstrated outside BPSC office in Patna. Famous teachers like Khan sir also participated in it. The officials also accused the coaching centers of instigating the students.

What is normalization?

If an examination is held in the same shift, then the same question paper is for all the students and in that case there is no normalization. But, if an examination is held in more than one shift, then students appearing for the examination in different shifts get different question papers. Through the normalization system, it is estimated how easy a paper is and how difficult it is. Marks are decided accordingly. If the average score of the students in one shift is 95 out of 100 and in the other shift it is 85 and it is found that the paper of the second shift was somewhat difficult, then in the normalization score formula, equal 90-90 scores can be given to the students of both the groups.

Why the controversy after the exam?

The paper was held on 13th December, but allegations of paper leak were made on that day. On the day of the exam, news of paper leak came to light from Bapu Exam Center. The candidates alleged that paper seals were open and papers were distributed late. After this the uproar started again. Alleging irregularities in the examination and disparity in the question paper, the students have demanded cancellation of the entire examination. It is also alleged that a student was also slapped. Students alleged that CCTV and jammers were not working at many centres.

After the controversy escalated, the Commission announced to cancel the examination at Bapu Examination Center and conduct the examination again on January 4, 2025 at that center and issued new admit cards. However, students protested against re-examination at only one centre. Their demand is that the entire examination should be cancelled. Because the issue of normalization will arise here again. However, BPSC is refusing to conduct the entire examination again.

What does BPSC have to say?

Candidates are on the streets agitating demanding cancellation of BPSC exam. On Sunday, the candidates reached Gandhi Maidan and from there started walking towards the Chief Minister’s residence. When stopped by the police, Candidates J. Sat on strike near P. Golambar. Police used water cannons. Lathicharge was also done. The students’ agitation continues on Monday also. The controversy shows no signs of stopping. The students have also talked to the Chief Secretary. The Secretary of the Commission also says that they are ready to talk to the students, but the examination cannot be conducted again.

Why did political parties jump into the controversy?

Students have asked politicians to stay away. They allege that initially their issues were not raised prominently by any political parties. As the movement increased, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav came together with the students on this issue. Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who entered the state politics by forming his/her political party Jan Suraj, was not only seen with the students but the administration also considered him/her responsible for the clash that took place in Patna a day earlier.

There is contradiction visible somewhere within the NDA government on this issue. LJP leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan is indirectly seen with the student. BJP leaders are also not completely happy with the way the government and administration have behaved on the matter. They believe that the issue could have been resolved in a better way. Assembly elections are to be held in the state at the end of this year and before that, the aim of all political parties is to reach out to young voters through this movement.