The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has deferred the civil services preliminary exams, scheduled to be held on May 31, due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation across the nation. "As and when dates are decided for deferred tests, candidates will be given notice of at least 30 days," UPSC said regarding the new date.
The decision was taken during a meeting held by the commission on Monday to review the situation after the second-phase of the COVID-19-induced nationwide lockdown. "Taking notice of the extension of restrictions, the commission decided that it will not be possible to resume examinations and interview for the present," the UPSC said in a communiqué.
Last month, UPSC had held a special meeting to review the situation arising out of the coronavirus pandemic. Following the meeting, a government release had said that fresh dates for the remaining Civil Services 2019 Personality Tests will be announced after May 3 following the second phase of the lockdown. The government had also said that dates for the Central Armed Police Forces Exam 2020 will be notified later while the National Defence Academy (NDA-I) Examination has already been postponed till further intimation.
The UPSC said that in view of the prevailing lockdown restrictions, including social distancing norms, it was decided that dates for all interviews, examinations and Recruitment Boards, where candidates and advisers are required to travel from all parts of the country, will be reviewed from time to time.
Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus patients in India saw a jump of 2,270 cases to stand at 42,533. Of these, 29,543 are active, while 11,706 are discharged. The death toll stands at 1,373.