UPSC defers civil services preliminary exam scheduled on May 31

The preliminary examination for the Civil Services scheduled for May 31 has been deferred indefinitely taking into account the COVID-19 situation in the country.

The decision was taken at a special meeting held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Monday after reviewing the situation post the second phase of the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.

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"Taking notice of the extension of restrictions, the Commission decided that it will not be possible to resume examinations and interviews for the present. The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2020, scheduled to be held on May 31 therefore stands deferred," an official statement said.

Since this examination also serves as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service Examination, the schedule for the Indian Forest Service Examination has also been deferred. The situation will be reviewed again on May 20, 2020 and fresh dates for these examinations shall be notified on the UPSC website in due course.

"As and when dates are decided for the deferred tests/examinations, it will be ensured that candidates are given a notice of at least 30 days," the statement said.

The Commission has already deferred personality test for remaining candidates for the Civil Services Examination 2019, NDA and Naval Academy Examination 2020 and notifications for the Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination 2020, Combined Medical Services Examination 2020 and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2020.