UPSC announces dates for conducting personal interviews for remaining candidates

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to refund the cost of round-trip air tickets to civil service aspirants appearing for the personality test in Delhi as train services are “not fully functional” due to COVID-19 restrictions , according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The commission will also assist applicants with their accommodation and transportation requirements, the release said.

“Since the railway services are not fully functional, the Commission, as a one-time measure, has decided to refund the lowest ‘airfare’ to the candidates coming for PT (Personality Tests). The state governments have been requested to allow the candidates holding e-call letters for PTs to enter/exit the restricted areas for the purpose of attending the same,” said the statement issued by UPSC.

The UPSC was in the midst of conducting personality tests/interviews for 2,304 candidates for the Civil Services Examination, 2019 (CSE-2019) when the government decided to impose a lockdown in late March to contain the spread of COVID-19, the him.

The Commission then decided to postpone the interview of the remaining 623 candidates, UPSC said.

“With the gradual lifting of the blockade, the Commission has decided to conduct PTs for the remaining candidates from July 20 to 30, 2020 and all candidates have been duly informed in advance,” it said.

On reaching the Commission, all applicants will be provided with a “sealed kit” consisting of a face mask, face shield, disinfectant bottle and hand gloves, the release said.

The civil services exam is conducted by UPSC annually in three stages – preliminary, main and personal test or interview – to select candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others .

To address safety and health concerns of candidates, expert advisors and staff of the Commission, appropriate measures have been put in place, UPSC said.

“As interviewing panels are typically comprised of senior advisors, the Commission has taken all precautions and safety measures for non-contact PTs to adequately protect interviewers and interviewees,” the release said.

Commission staff involved in the conduct of PTs will also be equipped with appropriate protective equipment, the statement said.

Measures have been taken to regularly sanitize all rooms, halls, furniture and equipment, the announcement says.

“The seating arrangements for candidates in all seats will ensure safe physical distancing. The protocol/instructions to be followed by the candidates to appear for the interview have been communicated to them,” UPSC said.

The commission is committed to ensuring the highest standards of health safety even as it fulfills its constitutional mandate of selecting the most suitable candidates through its examinations, UPSC added.

(With information from PTI)

Last updated on 20 Jul 2020, 18:06 IST