New Delhi, Dec 12: In a significant move to enhance accessibility and ease of examination for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to allot the ‘Centre of Choice’ to all PwBD candidates for its examinations.

Recognising the logistical challenges and special requirements often faced by these candidates, the Commission decided to ensure that every PwBD applicant is allotted the examination centre they indicate as their preferred choice in the application form.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Ajay Kumar, UPSC Chairman 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 operationalise this initiative, the Commission has adopted the several strategy:

• The existing capacity of each centre will first be utilised by both PwBD and non-PwBD candidates.
• Once the centre reaches its full capacity, it will no longer remain available for selection by non-PwBD candidates; however, PwBD candidates will continue to have the option to select that centre.
• The UPSC will then make additional capacity arrangements so that no PwBD candidate is denied the centre of their choice.