STET exam: massive student protest in Patna, demanding the exam before TRE-4.

Patna, August 7, 2025: A massive protest broke out in the streets of Patna as hundreds of students demanded the immediate conduct of the STET exam in Bihar on Thursday. The protestors, many of whom are aspiring candidates for teaching jobs, insist that the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) exam should be held before the TRE-4 recruitment drive, so that eligible candidates can apply in time. The agitation, which began as a peaceful march, soon escalated when demonstrators moved towards the Dak Bungalow crossing.

A heavy police deployment was already in place, including water cannons and riot control units, particularly at JP Golambar and Dak Bungalow junctions, to stop the march from proceeding further.

According to police officials, protestors were not allowed to cross the barricade set up at JP Golambar.

Core demands of the STET exam:

The primary demand of the protesting students is that the STET exam, which has not been conducted for the past two years, be held before the Teacher Recruitment Examination (TRE) 4.

Many also raised concerns over the librarian recruitment exam, which reportedly has not been held for the past 15 years.

“We’re not asking for jobs, we’re only asking for the right to appear in the examination,” said Sunil Kumar, one of the protesting students.

“The government had promised to conduct STET every six months. Two years have passed with no exam held. We want the exam before TRE 4. Selection should be done on merit, but we must get the chance to chance to compete,” said another protester, Sonam Kumari.

Wider frustration among youth:

Alongside students, coaching teachers also participated in the protest. Many blamed the Nitish Kumar-led government for repeated delays in conducting recruitment examinations, which they say are pushing educated youth to the brink of frustration.

The protest follows a similar agitation a few days ago over the domicile policy, where student pressure resulted in the state government implementing an 8.5% reservation for domicile holders in recruitment.

Despite mounting pressure, the Bihar government and education authorities have not yet made any fresh announcement regarding the timeline for the STET examination.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar announced a domicile policy in Bihar before TRE 4 to enthral youths.

EOM.