The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opposed the plea before Supreme Court seeking extra attempt for candidates who could not appear in Civil Services Mains exam held in January 2022 owing to COVID-19, reports Bar and Bench.
In an affidavit filed before the top court, the UPSC has stated that giving such an extra attempt would lead to vacancies remaining unfilled.
In order to perform it’s constitutional obligation to supply manpower to the Government of India in a timely manner, “it is imperative” that the commission sticks to the schedule of examinations, the UPSC submitted.
The mains exam which was supposed to be held last year, was conducted only in January, 2022. However, the petitioners could not appear in some of the main exam papers since they contracted COVID-19.
In their plea before the top court, the petitioner urged the Court to direct UPSC to afford them an extra chance since the commission has granted such similar options to candidates in other examinations.
The commission stated that if it is directed to grant an extra attempt to such students, then it will lead to “complete derailment” of post examination activities of a particular exam and also have a “cascading effect” on the schedule of other examinations.
It further said that the vacancies in the Central government will also remain unfulfilled for an indefinite period and UPSC aspirants will also be in “limbo” as to when the results will be declared or when the advertisement for next recruitment will be issued.
The commission also pointed out that candidates are allowed to take the exam between the age of 21 to 35 and six chances are also given to appear for the same which is a “fair opportunity”.
