Tensions escalated in Patna on Tuesday after a large group of students and Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants attempted to march towards Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s residence, leading to clashes with security personnel.

The protesters, who have been demonstrating over several examination and recruitment-related issues, broke through barricades placed along the route. Police tried to stop the advancing crowd, and the confrontation soon turned into a clash.

Security forces used water cannons and carried out lathicharges at several locations in an effort to disperse the protesters. Some demonstrators were also taken into custody as police attempted to regain control of the area. The students, however, continued moving towards the Chief Minister’s residence.

The march began from Gandhi Maidan at around 10 am, with protesters raising slogans and carrying forward their demands. Barricades installed to restrict their movement were reportedly removed by sections of the crowd.

The agitation gained further momentum when a group of farmers protesting land-related issues joined the gathering with black flags. CRPF personnel were subsequently deployed at the site.

Students have been holding demonstrations in the Gardanibagh area for weeks. Among their key demands are the cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination over alleged irregularities, a single-stage examination for BPSC-TRE 4, greater transparency in recruitment procedures, recruitment examinations through the Bihar Staff Selection Commission, and improved opportunities for Hindi-medium candidates.

The latest march came a day after representatives of the protesting students held discussions with the Bihar government. While participants described those talks as constructive, the protesters decided to continue their agitation, saying they wanted a direct meeting with the Chief Minister or the Education Minister.

A student representative said the protesters were unwilling to limit discussions to junior officials and would consider ending the agitation if they were given an opportunity to formally present their concerns to the state’s top leadership and received an official response to their demands.

Meanwhile, the Bihar government announced a new initiative aimed at addressing student complaints. Under the proposed Vidyarthi Sahyog Shivir, camps will be organised at educational institutions on the fourth Tuesday of every month, allowing students to raise grievances directly with concerned officials.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said students would also be able to submit complaints digitally and monitor their progress through an online system, with helpline number 1100 available for grievance registration.

The announcement comes as examination-related protests continue across Bihar, with aspirants maintaining pressure on the government over the 70th BPSC examination and other recruitment concerns.