New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) can now take the examination at a centre of their choice. The move is expected to reduce logistical challenges for PwBD candidates.
UPSC chairman Dr Ajay Kumar said: “After analysing examination centre data of the last five years, we observed that certain centres such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, Lucknow and others reach their capacity ceiling very early due to the high volume of applicants. This creates challenges for PwBD candidates, who are then compelled to opt for centres that may not be convenient for them.”
“I am pleased that, with this decision, every PwBD candidate will now be assured of their preferred centre, ensuring maximum convenience and ease while appearing for UPSC examinations,” he added.
In the new process that has been revised, PwBD and non-PwBD candidates will initially be accommodated within a centre’s regular capacity. Once a centre reaches its limit, it will stop appearing as an option for non-PwBD applicants, but PwBD candidates will still be able to select it. After this, the UPSC will create additional seating capacity so that no PwBD candidate is denied their preferred centre.
The commission said the decision reflects its commitment to making the country’s most competitive exams more inclusive and supportive for all candidates.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)