Candidates preparing for Uttar Pradesh’s Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) are facing significant challenges, starting even before the exam. Many have been assigned centres located 300 to 500 km from their homes, leading to long, exhausting travels in overcrowded trains. This has resulted in some candidates spending the night on railway station floors.
For instance, Sunil Parashari, an MBA student from Barabanki, expressed frustration, pointing out that while polling booths for elections are conveniently placed, recruitment exam centres are not. Others, like Ashish from Azamgarh, missed their exams due to these long distances.
Many candidates raised concerns about the government’s ability to provide adequate arrangements, lamenting high travel costs and lack of accommodations. Some, like Madhu Shivhare from Delhi, were left feeling hopeless after their strenuous journeys. Pushpa Raje from Hardoi called for exam centres to be relocated closer to candidates’ homes.
The Bareilly administration stated they were prepared for the exam’s smooth conduct, with over 62,000 candidates registered in 23 centres within the city. However, the challenges faced by candidates highlight ongoing issues regarding exam centre allotment and transportation arrangements.
