The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) recently conducted the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) Preliminary Exam across 1,331 centers in all 75 state districts. This year’s examination introduced significant reforms to ensure transparency and fairness, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s competitive examination process.
The preliminary exam was held in two shifts on Sunday, with strict guidelines and robust monitoring mechanisms in place. The event not only witnessed the participation of thousands of aspirants but also introduced several first-time measures aimed at enhancing the credibility of the exam process.
UPPSC Prelims Exam 2024 Attendance
Of the 5,76,154 candidates who enrolled for the PCS exam, a notable percentage attended the test, while a significant number of aspirants skipped it. In the first shift, 2,43,247 candidates appeared, accounting for 42.22% attendance. The second shift saw a slightly lower attendance, with 2,41,212 candidates, making up 41.87%.
Interestingly, over 3.3 lakh candidates did not show up for each shift, highlighting a considerable absenteeism rate. In Prayagraj district, which hosted the exam at 51 centers, 21,504 candidates were registered. Out of these, 10,668 candidates appeared in the first shift (49.61%), and 10,553 attended the second shift (49.07%).
Transparency Through Technology
For the first time in UPPSC’s history, the PCS exam was conducted with live CCTV monitoring and biometric attendance. These measures were implemented to ensure a fair and transparent examination process.
The biometric system included an iris scan, followed by placing a hologram on the candidates’ admit cards to verify the completion of the biometric process. Additionally, live CCTV streaming allowed UPPSC officials to monitor activities at all 1,331 exam centers in real-time, ensuring a tamper-proof environment.
These steps were particularly crucial given past controversies related to paper leaks. By incorporating advanced technology, UPPSC set a new standard for the conduct of competitive exams in the state.
Exam Rescheduling and Security Measures
The PCS Preliminary Exam dates were revised twice this year amid concerns over potential paper leaks. Initially scheduled for March 17, 2024, the exam was rescheduled and later deferred to its final date in October.
To further enhance security, sector magistrates and static magistrates were assigned to each center to oversee the proceedings. Senior police and administrative officials conducted inspections throughout the day, while an adequate police force was deployed to maintain law and order.
Exam Format and Timings
The exam was conducted in two shifts to accommodate the large number of candidates. The first shift took place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and the second shift was held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Candidates reported a well-organized and smooth process at the examination centers, reflecting UPPSC’s commitment to upholding standards.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the measures to ensure transparency were commendable, the high absenteeism rate poses a significant challenge. With over 3.3 lakh candidates skipping the exam in each shift, it raises questions about the factors contributing to this trend. Understanding and addressing these issues will be essential for future examinations.
UPPSC PCS Answer Key
Candidates who appeared for the exam can access the UPPSC PCS Preliminary Exam Answer Key to cross-check their responses. This key is crucial for assessing performance and estimating scores.
Download the Answer Key PDF Here
UPPSC’s commitment to transparency and fairness was evident in the successful conduct of the exam. The innovations implemented set a benchmark for future examinations, ensuring trust and credibility among candidates.
Conclusion
The UPPSC PCS Preliminary Exam 2024 showcased the Commission’s efforts to enhance transparency and fairness in competitive exams. The introduction of live CCTV monitoring and biometric attendance marked a milestone, setting a precedent for other state and national-level exams.
As UPPSC continues to improve its examination processes, these reforms signal a step in the right direction, ensuring a fair opportunity for all aspirants. Candidates and stakeholders alike can look forward to an even more robust system in the years to come.
