New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission has introduced a new facility that will allow every candidate with benchmark disabilities to receive the examination centre they choose in their application form. The move aims to remove logistical hurdles often faced by PwBD candidates and make the examination process more accessible.

Explaining the decision, 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. 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.”

To implement the initiative, the Commission will first fill existing capacity at each centre with both PwBD and non-PwBD applicants. Once a centre reaches full capacity, it will close for non-PwBD candidates, while remaining available for PwBD applicants. The Commission will then make additional arrangements so that all PwBD candidates can be accommodated at the centre they select.

The step marks a practical shift towards more inclusive examination planning by ensuring that candidates with specific accessibility needs are prioritised without disrupting the broader examination process.

BI Bureau