UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024: Exam Concludes Amid Low Attendance and High Difficulty Level, Check Important Details Here
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) successfully conducted the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) Preliminary Exam 2024 on December 22, 2024, across the state. Despite heightened security measures and efficient planning, the UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024 saw a surprisingly low turnout, with only 42% of registered candidates appearing for the test.
Key Highlights of UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024
- Exam Date: December 22, 2024
- Registered Candidates: 5,76,154
- Appeared Candidates: 2,41,212
- Exam Shifts:
- Morning: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Low Turnout and Candidate Feedback
According to official reports, over half the registered candidates opted not to attend the exam. Many participants expressed concerns about the difficulty level of the question paper, citing that even well-prepared candidates found it challenging. Some also noted that the two-hour duration was insufficient to complete the exam, given the complexity of the questions.
Exam Security and Anti-Cheating Measures
To ensure a fair examination process, the UPPSC implemented stringent security protocols, including:
- CCTV Surveillance: Live monitoring of over 1,300 exam centres from a central control room.
- Biometric Verification: Iris scans and other biometric checks to eliminate proxy candidates.
- Physical Checks: Candidates were thoroughly screened, with items such as shoes, jackets, and jewelry being removed before entry.
Challenges in Conducting the Exam
The UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024, initially scheduled for earlier dates, faced multiple postponements due to logistical issues and widespread protests. The protests, sparked by demands to conduct the exam on a single day, were resolved after the Commission agreed to revise the schedule.
Next Steps After the Prelims
The selection process for the PCS exam comprises three stages:
- Preliminary Exam: CSAT and General Studies are the two papers.
- Main Exam: A total of eight papers, including subjects like General Hindi, General Studies, and optional subjects.
- Interview: The final round to assess candidates’ overall suitability.
Candidates who qualify the prelims will move on to the Mains examination, details of which will be announced soon on the official UPPSC website.
Expected Result Announcement
The official date for the UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024 results has not yet been confirmed. However, the results are expected to be released shortly. Before the announcement, the Commission is likely to publish the answer key, enabling candidates to estimate their scores.
Previous Year’s Cut-Off Marks
For reference, the cut-off marks for UPPSC Prelims 2023 were as follows:
Conclusion
While the UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024 faced challenges, including low attendance and initial opposition, the Commission successfully conducted the exam across the state with robust security measures. As candidates await the results, focus now shifts to the Mains exam, which will determine their progress in this competitive recruitment process. For the latest updates, including result announcements and the answer key, candidates are advised to regularly visit the official UPPSC website: uppsc.up.nic.in.