In a significant move to avoid candidate hardship, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has decided against holding any recruitment examinations in the city of Prayagraj throughout the month of January. This decision comes in direct response to the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing Magh Mela and its series of major bathing festivals, which are expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the Sangam area.
Why Prayagraj is Off the Exam Map in January
The primary reason for this administrative shift is the anticipated massive movement of pilgrims and the consequent traffic restrictions in the city. Authorities impose strict traffic curbs a day before each major bathing day, and these continue until a day after the event. This makes travel within and to Prayagraj extremely difficult, raising the real possibility of candidates missing their crucial examination papers. Officials stated that conducting exams in Prayagraj during this period could directly result in candidates being unable to reach their centres.
Revised Exam Schedule and Centre Allotment
The UPPSC is scheduled to conduct examinations for the recruitment of LT Grade teachers in eight subjects for government secondary schools over four days in January. The original schedule is as follows:
- Examinations for Social Science and Biology: January 17
- Examinations for English and Physical Education: January 18
- Examinations for Art and Agriculture/Horticulture: January 24
- Examinations for Urdu and Music: January 25
For these tests, examination centres for candidates not from Prayagraj will be allotted outside the city. Notably, even candidates based in Prayagraj are typically assigned centres in other districts as part of standard practice. In a related move to ensure exam integrity, centres are allotted just a few days before the exams to prevent any potential manipulation by organised cheating groups.
Magh Mela Dates and Wider Examination Impact
The key bathing days of the Magh Mela that clash with the exam schedule include Makar Sankranti on January 15, Mauni Amavasya on January 18, and Basant Panchami on January 23. The overlap of these huge religious gatherings with the examination calendar has created a unique civic challenge.
The impact extends beyond the UPPSC. The Staff Selection Commission's (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025 Tier-II examination, scheduled for January 18 and 19, is also likely to be moved outside Prayagraj. This is particularly noteworthy because the headquarters of the SSC (Central Region) is located in Prayagraj itself. This shift will pose additional travel and logistical challenges for local candidates who now must journey to other districts to sit for these central government exams.
This proactive decision by the UPPSC underscores the administration's effort to balance the city's religious significance with its role as a major examination hub, prioritising candidate convenience during one of the busiest periods on Prayagraj's calendar.
