UPSC revises examination norms to improve access for PwBD candidates

The Union Public Service Commission on Dec 12 announced a change in its examination center allotment policy, under which candidates with benchmark disabilities will be assigned their preferred centers for all UPSC examinations.

Under the revised framework, PwBD candidates will no longer risk being assigned centers far from their chosen locations due to capacity constraints.

Instead, the Commission will ensure that the center indicated by the candidate in the application form is allotted in every case, acknowledging the additional logistical and accessibility challenges involved.

UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said the decision followed an analysis of examination center data from the past five years.

“We observed that certain centers, such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, Lucknow, and others, reach their capacity ceiling very early due to the high volume of applicants,” he said.

“This creates challenges for PwBD candidates, who are then compelled to opt for centers that may not be convenient for them. I am pleased that, with this decision, every PwBD candidate will now be assured of their preferred center, ensuring maximum convenience and ease while appearing for UPSC examinations,” Kumar added.

The Commission said implementation will involve a phased use of center capacity. Initially, available seats at each center will be shared by PwBD and non-PwBD candidates.

“Once the center reaches its full capacity, it will no longer remain available for selection by non-PwBD candidates; however, PwBD candidates will continue to have the option to select that center. The UPSC will then make additional capacity arrangements so that no PwBD candidate is denied the center of their choice,” the statement said.

The UPSC conducts a range of recruitment examinations for central government services, including the civil services examination, which selects officers for administrative, diplomatic, and police roles.

The civil services examination is held annually in three stages: preliminary, main, and interview.