Why has the recruitment of Sub-Inspectors in Bihar sparked an uproar? Thousands of candidates take to the streets.

The BPSSC had released the results for the Main examination—conducted to recruit 1,799 Sub-Inspectors—on June 19. However, about three months later, on September 23, the Commission decided to cancel the Main examination.

The anger of candidates regarding the recruitment for 1,799 Sub-Inspector posts in Bihar is now spilling onto the streets. On Monday, a large number of candidates marched from Patna’s Gandhi Maidan towards the Chief Minister’s residence. They are demanding the withdrawal of the decision to cancel the Main examination, the resumption of the recruitment process, and the early announcement of dates for the Physical Efficiency Test. Police stopped the protesters near JP Golambar, leading to a prolonged commotion and demonstration. The candidates state that they had cleared both the preliminary and Main examinations and were preparing for the physical efficiency test; consequently, the decision to cancel the Main exam has cast uncertainty over the recruitment prospects for thousands of aspirants.

The Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) had conducted the Main examination for the 1,799 Sub-Inspector posts in two shifts on May 27, 2026. The results were declared on June 19. Candidates who had succeeded in the Main exam were preparing for the physical test when, about three months later, the Commission decided to cancel the Main exam on September 23. The Commission cited “unavoidable reasons” for this move. However, the detailed reason for the cancellation was not made public. This lack of clarity has become the primary cause of the candidates’ protest. They question why the decision to cancel the entire Main examination was taken so abruptly after they had already passed the exam and were preparing for the next stage of the process.

If the fault lies with someone else, why are we being punished?

The protesting candidates argue that if any irregularities occurred during the exam, they should be investigated and those responsible held accountable. They question why candidates who successfully passed the exam through hard work are being forced to retake it due to alleged irregularities. Candidates also question the delay in the decision to cancel the exam; they had been preparing for the physical test for four months following the declaration of the Mains results.

Concerns Regarding Age Limits and Financial Pressure

The candidates’ distress extends beyond the prospect of a re-examination. Protesters point out that many candidates are nearing or have already crossed the upper age limit for recruitment; consequently, delays in the process could prove severely detrimental to them. Many had relied on financial support from their families during their long preparation period. After passing the exam, their families had hoped the recruitment process was nearing its final stage, but the cancellation has now heightened their anxiety.

What Are the Candidates’ Key Demands?

The protesters’ primary demand is the withdrawal of the decision to cancel the Mains exam and the continuation of the recruitment process. They are also calling for the early announcement of dates for the Physical Efficiency Test. The candidates maintain that while any irregularities should be investigated and the guilty punished, this should not come at the cost of those who have already passed the exam. Furthermore, they are urging Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary to intervene in the matter. They warn that a lack of a prompt decision regarding the recruitment process could jeopardize their hard work, time, and future prospects.