UPSC Issues Press Release Regarding Upcoming Exams

UPSC issued a press release after a special meeting of the Commission which was held on April, 15, 2020 to review the situation arising out of the Corona Virus pandemic.

As per the UPSC Press Release, the Commission has not yet made any attempts to reschedule the Civil Services-2020 (Prelim) exams, as the date of the exam – May 31 2020 – is already announced.

However, UPSC has also mentioned that any rescheduling in the examination if necessitated by the evolving situation, will be notified on the website of the UPSC.

Please find the important updates from the latest press release.

All Examinations and Interviews will be reviewed by UPSC from time to time

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.

Fresh dates Civil Services 2019 Personality Tests will be decided after May 3, 2020

A decision on fresh dates for the remaining Civil Services-2019 Personality Tests will be taken after May 3 2020, following the second phase of the lockdown.

UPSC Prelims 2020 date already announced; if rescheduled it will be notified on UPSC website

Dates for the Civil Services-2020 (Prelim), Engineering Services (Main) and the Geologist Services (Main) Examinations had already been announced.

Any rescheduling in these examinations, if necessitated by the evolving situation, will be notified on the website of the UPSC.

Exams which are already postponed

Deferment notices have already been posted for the Combined Medical Services Examination, the Indian Economic Service and the Indian Statistical Service Examination 2020. Dates for the CAPF Exam 2020 will also be notified on the UPSC website.

The National Defence Academy(NDAI) Examination has already been postponed till further intimation.

NDA -11 Examination date will be posted on June 10 2020

A decision on the NDA –II Examination will be posted on June 10, 2020, the scheduled date for its notification.

UPSC website will remain the main source to know the changes in Exam Dates

Any other decision of the Commission in respect of all the Examinations, Interviews and Recruitment Boards will be promptly made available on the Commission’s website.

UPSC Chairman and Members forego 30% of basic pay for a period of one year

The Commission reviewed the harm caused to the national economy by the Corona virus pandemic. Recognising the need to conserve financial resources at the national level, the Chairman and Members of the Union Public Service Commission have decided to voluntarily forego 30% of the basic pay received by them from the Commission for a period of one year, with effect from April, 2020.

In addition, all officers and staff members of the UPSC have volunteered one day salary to the PM Relief Fund/PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation Fund (PM CARES Fund).

What should ClearIAS Readers infer from the UPSC press release?

As the date of UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2020 is already announced (May 31 2020), and as there as still 46 days until May 31, 2020, the Commission has not made any attempt to reschedule it. (as of April 15, 2020)

However, the Commission has left open a possibility of rescheduling if events warrant. If such a situation arises, the changes will be notified on the UPSC website.

Many candidates who are deeply affected by the Coronavirus crisis and lockdown has already started online petitions to UPSC postpone Prelims 2020. As mentioned by UPSC in the press release, the Commission will review the situation from time to time and will take a decision which will accommodate the interests of all candidates appearing in Prelims 2020.

However, for now, the safest and smart strategy for all aspirants is to prepare hard as if Prelims 2020 will be conducted on May 31, 2020 itself. If Prelims 2020 is postponed, take the additional time you get as a bonus.

Go through this ClearIAS article which mentions 5 practical tips to clear UPSC Prelims faster. Rather than going behind everything under the Sun, prioritise and focus on resources which gives maximum benefit in minimum time like ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series, ClearIAS Most Probable Prelims Questions (PDF sets), ClearIAS Current Affairs Capsules (PDF sets) etc.

ClearIAS has also written a detailed guidance article to help our readers to remain focused in this age of crisis and confusion. The analysis is what we think of the different possibilities, and it is nothing official. However, we feel it may help many aspirants to get a new focus and determination. Go through this link.