Bihar BPSC Exam Controversy Over Normalisation

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is currently facing scrutiny over its examination process. The controversy stems from the recent announcement regarding the 70th prelims test scheduled for December 13, 2024. The BPSC clarified that there would be no normalisation for this exam, a decision met with mixed reactions from students and political leaders.

About Normalisation in Exams

Normalisation is a method used in examinations conducted in multiple shifts. It ensures fairness by adjusting scores based on the difficulty level of different question sets. This process is intended to make scores comparable across varying conditions. Normalisation is commonly applied in exams like NEET-UG and other competitive assessments.

The Issue in Bihar

Concerns arose when BPSC chairman Ravi S Parmar hinted at the possibility of introducing normalisation for future exams. This led to fears of transparency issues and potential corruption. Students demanded a written assurance that normalisation would not be applied in the upcoming prelims, given the high stakes involved. Approximately 4.25 lakh candidates will compete for around 2,200 positions.

Political Reactions

The situation has drawn political attention. Leaders from various parties have voiced their opinions. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the government of ignoring student concerns. He emphasised the need for the government to listen to the youth. Political parties are leveraging the jobs issue as a critical element in their campaigns.

Protests and Public Sentiment

Protests erupted in Patna, with students advocating for a single-shift, single-question paper format. Educators like Faizal Khan argued that normalisation could not adequately assess subjects like General Studies. The sentiment among students and teachers is that uniformity in examination format is essential for fairness.

Current Status and Future Implications

The BPSC has confirmed that the 70th prelims will follow a traditional format without normalisation. However, the discussion surrounding this topic raises broader questions about examination fairness and transparency in Bihar. With limited job opportunities in the state, the stakes for candidates are exceptionally high. Any changes to the examination format can impact public trust in the BPSC.

Job Market Context

The job market in Bihar is particularly competitive, with government positions being highly sought after. The lack of industries in the state exacerbates the demand for government jobs. Political parties have made job creation a central theme in their manifestos, denoting the importance of the issue in the current socio-political landscape.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the implications of normalisation in competitive examinations on student performance and fairness.
2. Explain the socio-economic factors contributing to high demand for government jobs in Bihar.
3. What are the potential consequences of political involvement in educational policies? Discuss with suitable examples.
4. Comment on the role of student protests in shaping educational reforms in India. How effective are they in influencing policy decisions?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of normalisation in competitive examinations on student performance and fairness.

1. Normalisation aims to ensure fairness by adjusting scores based on question difficulty across different exam shifts.
2. It can lead to anxiety among students if they perceive a lack of transparency in the scoring process.
3. Students may feel disadvantaged if they are unaware of how scores are adjusted, impacting their performance.
4. Normalisation is used in exams like NEET-UG, showing its acceptance in certain competitive contexts.
5. Critics argue that it complicates the assessment process and may not be suitable for all subjects, especially those with subjective evaluations.

2. Explain the socio-economic factors contributing to high demand for government jobs in Bihar.

1. Bihar has limited industrial development, leading to fewer private sector job opportunities.
2. Government jobs are perceived as stable and prestigious, attracting a large number of aspirants.
3. The state has a high population density and youth demographic, increasing competition for available positions.
4. Social disparities in education and employment create a sense of urgency for secure government roles.
5. Political parties leverage job creation in their manifestos, denoting its significance in electoral politics.

3. What are the potential consequences of political involvement in educational policies? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Political involvement can lead to the prioritization of populist measures over effective educational reforms.
2. Policies may be influenced by electoral considerations, resulting in short-term fixes rather than long-term solutions.
3. For example, the BPSC controversy illustrates how political pressure can affect examination processes and student trust.
4. Political parties may exploit educational issues to gain support, complicating reforms with partisan agendas.
5. Involvement can also mobilize public opinion and student activism, leading to meaningful changes in educational policies.

4. Comment on the role of student protests in shaping educational reforms in India. How effective are they in influencing policy decisions?

1. Student protests serve as a powerful tool for voicing concerns and demanding accountability from educational authorities.
2. They can attract media attention and political support, amplifying the issues at hand to a broader audience.
3. Historical examples, such as protests against fee hikes or examination policies, have led to policy reversals or reforms.
4. The effectiveness of protests often depends on the unity and organization of the student body, as well as public support.
5. While protests can influence decisions, systemic changes require sustained advocacy beyond immediate demonstrations.