COVID-19 has shaken the entire world. The lives of people have stopped and we are thrown back to 20 years before. It had destructive effects on everyone globally.
People were forced to lock down their homes and go out only to buy necessities. This was especially destructive for peddlers, construction workers and people who depended on their daily income. Moreover, several industries were hit hard by the pandemic wave.
Most specifically travel, food and hospitality industries. Governments across the globe were forced to impose travel restrictions not only on foreign trips but also on domestic.
Currently, the government has removed lockdown and imposed some restrictions. Still travelling is a luxury and can only be overcome by great difficulties.
Moreover, for similar reasons, the union public service commission has to take measures for candidates appearing in the UPSC 2021 examination. In this article, we will look at several steps taken by it due to COVID and also about recent news: UPSC centre change.
Also Read: Strategy for UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam: Steps to Clear Prelims in the First Attempt
UPSC Exam Centre Change
Union Public Service Commission is the regulating body of several examinations held for the selection of civil servants.
Due to current difficulties in travelling for a huge crowd for examinations, UPSC has decided to give their candidates a chance to change their exam centre.
UPSC Centre Change 2021
Every year thousands of candidates appear for exams. According to a survey, more than 4 lakhs of students appear every year for the Preliminary examination.
Every year UPSC allocates them to different exam centres according to their preference and seats available. Students have to commute to the exam centre the day before to arrive before time.
But during these COVID times, where the government is promoting to stay apart at least 6 feet, commutations of such large crowds are nearly impossible and dangerous. This can become a reason for the third wave of COVID-19.
This can increase the infected and death rates and this is not good. India was struck hard by the second wave of the corona. Already suffering from weak infrastructure, this year several people have to die because of less oxygen in the market.
Moreover, India is not at all ready for any other wave and hence the government is taking all necessary steps to protect India. Hence, everyone welcomes this step.
Additional Exam centres
In addition to the UPSC prelims centre change, it also has developed four extra exam centres for the convenience of the candidates. These four exam centres are located in:
#Almora, Uttarakhand
# Srinagar, Uttarakhand
# Surat, Gujarat
Candidates of the Indian Forest Service can also change their exam centre through the same as the other candidates. This is because the prelims exam for all civil services IPS, IAS, IFS, and IFoS is the same.
Also Read: IFS Exam Date 2021: Check-out All the Facts about the Application Form Date, Exam Date & More
Changing can be Done in Two Phases
On 10 July, the commission announced that candidates could change their exam centres in two phases. There are thousands of candidates and thus only one phase may not be ample for everyone to change their centres.
#1. The first phase: The portal will be opened for candidates from 12th-30th July 2021 until 6 pm sharp.
# The second phase: The portal will reopen again for the candidates on 26th-30th July 2021 till 6 pm sharp.
Procedures to Change UPSC Exam Centres: UPSC Exam Centre Change Link
UPSC 2021 exam candidates can easily change their centre by visiting the official website of UPSC. Notifications will start from 12th July onwards.
First Come, First Allotted Criteria
Candidates should note that the commission is going to make changes according to a first-come and first-serve basis. This will be the criteria for all exams conducted by it, including CSE, IFS and others.
Once the maximum number of exam centres is reached no allocation will be accepted. The exam centre will not be visible for the selection and candidates have to choose from the rest ones.
UPSC EPFO Exam Centre Change (2020-2021)
Earlier UPSC has also announced an exam centre change for EPFO. Candidates of EPFO can change their exam centres in two phases:
15-21st December 2020
20-04 January 2021
Previous Changes
Earlier the commission had to change the dates of the CSE Preliminary Examination due to the second wave of the COVID-19.
“Due to the prevailing conditions caused by the Novel CoronaVirus (COVID-19), the Union Public Service Commission has deferred the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on 27th June 2021. Now, this Examination will be held on 10th October 2021. “ – UPSC Press Note
Also Read: UPSC 2021 Prelims Exam Date Changed: Here’s the Latest UPSC Notification, Exam Date & More
Dates of Examination Postponed by UPSC
# CDS Examination, 2021: From 28 Oct to 17 Nov to 7 Feb 2021
# NDA & NA Examination, 2021: From 30 Dec-19 Jan to 18 April 2021
# IFS prelims: From 4 to 24 Mar 202 to 10 October 2021
# CMS: From 29, August 2021 to 21 November 2021
Other exams are NDA & NA II; Combined Geo-Scientist Examinations (Mains), Engineering service prelims 2021, Central armed police forces 2021 and many more.
Also Read: UPSC CMS 2021 Application Form: Check this to Get all the Notifications, Syllabus & Updates
Conclusion
The union public service commission has proved that it truly cares for its candidates. Opening extra exam centres and exam centre change is a welcoming step for everyone. In this way, students can focus on their paper rather than taking tension for their commutation.
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I was looking for the exact dates. Thank you for giving me the correct information. How are you guys preparing for the exam?