Patna Sees Protest Over Delay in Conducting Bihar STET Exam

Job aspirants in Bihar staged a protest in Patna demanding timely conduct of the State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET).

Job aspirants in Bihar staged a protest in Patna on Monday against the alleged delay in conducting the State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET). The demonstrators, who gathered near Dak Bungalow crossing, demanded that STET be held before the upcoming Teachers Recruitment Exam (TRE-5) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).

The protest caused significant disruption to vehicular movement in the state capital. According to Patna (Central) SP Diksha, police had to use mild force to disperse the agitators after they attempted to breach security barricades.

Aspirants Voice Concerns

Protesters highlighted that, as per the examination calendar, the STET should be conducted twice a year, yet the first round has not been held so far in 2024. This delay, they said, has directly impacted candidates who have completed their B.Ed qualifications and are awaiting eligibility to apply for teaching posts.

Amit Kumar, a protester from Patna, said: “We demand that STET be conducted before TRE-5. Without it, many of us will lose the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process despite being qualified.”

Growing Frustration Among Job Seekers

The agitation reflects the growing frustration among aspirants regarding delays in recruitment exams that are crucial for securing teaching positions in government schools. With thousands of candidates dependent on the timely conduct of STET, protesters urged the state government to prioritize the exam schedule.