The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) now offers Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates their preferred examination centre. This significant policy change ensures PwBD applicants can choose their test location for all UPSC examinations.
The decision directly addresses the mobility challenges and logistical difficulties frequently faced by PwBD applicants. It aims to provide maximum convenience and ease during the examination process.
Rationale for the Policy Change
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar confirmed the commission analyzed examination centre data over the last five years. This review revealed certain high-demand centres frequently reached full capacity early.
Centres such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, and Lucknow often filled up quickly. This situation previously compelled PwBD candidates to select inconvenient examination locations.
Chairman Kumar stated the new policy assures every PwBD candidate their preferred centre. This guarantees easier access for appearing in UPSC examinations.
Operational Strategy for Centre Allotment
The UPSC has developed a clear strategy to implement this ‘Centre of Choice’ initiative. It involves specific centre allocation rules.
- Priority Access: Once a particular examination centre reaches its full capacity with non-PwBD applicants, it will remain available exclusively for PwBD candidates. Non-PwBD applicants will then choose from other available centres.
- Capacity Management: Existing examination centre capacity will initially be utilized by both PwBD and non-PwBD candidates.
- Additional Capacity: The UPSC committed to making additional capacity arrangements. This ensures no PwBD candidate is denied their preferred examination centre choice.
This strategy ensures PwBD candidates receive priority access and dedicated resources for their chosen examination locations. The commission aims to streamline the exam process for PwBD applicants nationwide.