In a significant move to ease the financial burden on job seekers, the Bihar government has decided to waive examination fees for all main recruitment tests while capping the cost of preliminary exams at Rs 100. The decision, taken by the state Cabinet, marks a major departure from the existing system where candidates often had to pay several hundred or even thousand rupees per exam.
Under the previous system, competitive recruitment examinations in Bihar were conducted by various bodies including the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and the Staff Selection Commission state-level cells. Candidates frequently appeared in multiple exams throughout the year, and the cumulative fee could run into thousands of rupees — a substantial amount for aspirants from economically weaker sections.
Sources indicate that the new policy applies to all recruitment examinations notified by state government departments and autonomous bodies. Preliminary tests, which serve as screening rounds before the main examination, will carry a nominal fee of Rs 100, while the main exams themselves will be entirely free of charge for all candidates regardless of category.
Education Minister Sri Krishna Sinha, who presented the policy framework, stated that the move was designed to ensure that no qualified candidate is denied an opportunity due to inability to pay examination fees. He emphasized that the government views public employment as a right accessible to all citizens and not a privilege contingent upon financial capacity.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by student unions and coaching associations across Bihar. Representatives from the Bihar State Students' Union described the decision as long overdue, noting that many deserving candidates had dropped out of the recruitment process solely because of exorbitant fees. Several political parties had previously demanded fee waivers during election campaigns.
Analysts suggest the policy could significantly increase the number of applicants, particularly from rural and marginalized communities, potentially making the selection process more competitive but also more representative. The government is expected to issue formal notifications in the coming weeks detailing implementation guidelines for all recruiting agencies.
