UPSC Releases Dates For Interviews Of Civil Services Candidates

New Delhi : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was in the midst of conducting the Personality Tests (PTs)/Interviews for 2,304 candidates for the Civil Services Examination, 2019 (CSE-2019) when COVID-19 lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of the virus. The Commission also reviewed the position and decided to defer the remaining PT Boards for 623 candidates of the CSE-2019 from March 23 onwards.

With the gradual lifting of the lockdown, UPSC has decided to hold the PTs for the remaining candidates from July 20 to 30, 2020 and all the candidates have been suitably informed in advance. In order to address the safety and health concerns of the candidates, expert advisers and staff of the Commission, suitable arrangements have been put in place, said the Commission.

As train services are not fully functional, UPSC, as a one-time measure, has decided to reimburse the lowest ‘to and fro airfare’ to the candidates coming for the PTs. State governments have been requested to allow the candidates holding e-Summon Letters for PTs to move in/out of the restricted zones for the purpose of attending the same. The Commission is also helping the candidates with their lodging and transport requirements.

On reaching the Commission, all candidates will be provided a ‘Sealed Kit’ consisting of a face mask, face shield, a bottle of sanitizer and hand gloves. Since the Interview Boards generally comprise senior advisers, the Commission has taken all precautionary and safety measures for contactless PTs in order to shield the interviewers and the interviewees appropriately.

The Commission’s staff involved in the conduct of the PTs will also be equipped with suitable protective gear. Arrangements have been made for regular sanitization of all the rooms, halls, furniture and equipment. Seating arrangements for the candidates at all venues will ensure safe physical distancing. Protocol/guidelines to be followed by the candidates for appearing in the interview have been communicated to them, it stated.