Students protesting recruitment examinations and job-related demands clashed with police in Patna, Bihar, on Tuesday while marching from Gandhi Maidan toward the chief minister’s residence. Protesters, including Bihar Public Service Commission job aspirants, broke through police barricades at Dak Bungalow crossing, prompting police to use water cannons. Several people were detained, and pushing occurred between police and demonstrators.

Police said some students threw stones as tensions intensified, while many protesters carried national flags and continued chanting after being drenched by water cannons. Security was strengthened at key intersections in Patna, with additional forces, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Force deployed at Dak Bungalow crossing.

The students seek a single-stage teacher recruitment examination, transparency in recruitment, BSSC examinations and equal opportunities for Hindi-medium candidates. They also demand cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination over alleged irregularities. Police official Kamakhya Narayan Singh said discussions were underway and some demands had been accepted, but marchers would not be allowed to proceed. The Bihar government also announced monthly student assistance camps, an online portal and a 1100 helpline for complaints.