More than 360,000 candidates failed to appear for the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Preliminary Examination this year, marking a dramatic and significant drop in attendance for one of the state’s most highly coveted competitive exams. Out of a total of 626,387 applicants, only 265,364 appeared for the test, meaning a remarkable 57.5% of registered candidates simply skipped it. This low turnout means UPPSC prelim attendance falls below 45 percent for the second year in a row.
This marks the second consecutive year that attendance has dipped below 45%, prompting serious questions about the underlying reasons for such widespread absenteeism. Historically, attendance rates for this examination consistently surpassed 60%, making the current decline particularly noteworthy.
Stricter Exam Security Measures Lead to Lower Turnout
The UPPSC has recently implemented a series of stringent security measures, all designed to uphold the integrity of the examination process. These include advanced biometric verification, iris scanning, comprehensive CCTV surveillance, and the integration of artificial intelligence throughout the examination. The commission’s firm stance on tightening these surveillance protocols is widely believed to be a primary factor contributing to the reduced number of candidates.
While these enhanced security protocols were intended to combat malpractice and prevent impersonation, they may have inadvertently deterred some candidates from appearing. The absenteeism figure of 361,023 candidates this year serves as a clear indication of the significant impact these rigorous measures have had on candidate behavior.
Candidates Share Mixed Reactions to the Prelim Exam
Among the candidates who did attend, reactions to the exam paper were varied. Many expressed a sense of relief upon completing the test, with some describing the language paper as notably easy. According to candidate Mohan Singh, the current affairs section was also perceived as simpler compared to previous years.
However, not all sections were straightforward. Certain areas, particularly history and mathematics, proved to be a source of confusion and difficulty for several test-takers. General studies questions were generally characterized as moderately difficult, and a number of students found the science and general knowledge portions to be quite challenging.
Shift Timings and Overall Exam Experience
The first shift of the examination took place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The majority of candidates who sat for the exam during this period reported being satisfied with the overall difficulty level. The second shift, which included the CSAT paper, was, for many, reportedly easier.
Despite the diverse opinions on the question paper’s difficulty, the low turnout and high absenteeism remain a significant concern for the UPPSC. The exam’s prestige and crucial importance for aspiring public servants in Uttar Pradesh are undeniable, yet the large-scale skipping of the preliminary examination signals a notable shift in candidate engagement and participation.
The UPPSC continues to closely monitor attendance patterns as it moves forward with the subsequent stages of the selection process. A thorough analysis of the reasons behind this significant absenteeism will likely be crucial in informing future policies and shaping how competitive examinations are conducted in the state.