UPSC provides ‘Centre of Choice’ option to PwBD applicants for all exams

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to allot ‘Centre of Choice’ to Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) for all its examinations. The decision comes after the commission recognised mobility issues faced by the PwBD applicants in reaching the exam centres.

The commission has decided to ensure that every PwBD applicant is allotted the examination centre as per their preferred choices because they are often faced by logistical challenges and special requirements.

Speaking about the new facility, Ajay Kumar, chairman, UPSC, 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.”

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Big relief for PwBD UPSC aspirants

This creates challenges for PwBD candidates, who are then compelled to opt for centres that may not be convenient for them, Kumar said.

“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 order to operationalise the initiative, the commission has drawn several strategies, which includes that once the centre reaches its full capacity, it will no longer remain available for selection by non-PwBD candidates. Therefore, they will have the option to select that centre.

“The existing capacity of each centre will first be utilised by both PwBD and non-PwBD candidates. The UPSC will then make additional capacity arrangements so that no PwBD candidate is denied the centre of their choice,” as per the official statement.