Prayagraj- Candidates protesting against the normalization policy implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) gathered outside the commission’s headquarters for a second consecutive day on Tuesday. In response to the protest, police forces and Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams have been deployed for security.

The demonstration, which began on Monday evening, saw a large turnout of aspirants outside the UPPSC headquarters and continued into Tuesday morning. Female candidates were also among those protesting.

One protesting candidate said, "Most of the candidates come from humble, financially struggling families. They not only bear the responsibility of their own future but also that of their families."

In a sharp criticism of the commission, a candidate questioned, “How can authoritarian officials decide the future of students?”

Another protester added, "Students are aware and capable of fighting for their rights. We have been protesting through the night without eating anything. We strongly oppose normalization."

Naveen Pal, a student from Allahabad University, remarked that such changes had never been made before, so why is the commission introducing them now? “There have been discrepancies in the past, but never to this extent. Conducting exams in two phases and using the normalization formula is not rational,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, UPPSC emphasized its commitment to ensuring exam integrity and convenience for candidates. Addressing the concerns over normalization, a commission spokesperson stated that exams are held only at centers where the risk of any malpractice is minimized, with the aim of preserving exam sanctity and safeguarding candidates’ futures.

In previous instances, reports of irregularities at remote exam centers had jeopardized the prospects of qualified candidates. To eliminate such issues and ensure that exams are merit-based, certain centers have been removed from the list.

The protest began on Monday when candidates gathered at the UPPSC gates to express discontent with the decision to hold the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) Prelims and Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) exams over two days. The demonstration continued into Tuesday.

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