Several UPSC CSE students have taken to the peaceful protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to express their concerns and are also running a digital campaign through social media platforms. Some candidates could not take the exam as they were involved in epidemiological duties under the categories of essential services during the first and second wave of the COVID pandemic. Some people missed the opportunity to try due to illness, loss of life in family, caregiver of infected persons, poor internet connectivity and many more. As per the data shared by UPSC in the Supreme Court, out of the total candidates registered for the exam, 0.97% (10,336) were those who made their last attempt in 2020. As of 2021, there are around 15,000 students who have finished their last attempt for CSE. ,
“Why should there be discrimination for CSE candidates when the government has given many relaxations to students in other streams. From board exams to amending UGC rules for recruitment of assistant professors to delaying the mandatory requirement of PhDs till July 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they should be taken to us as a one-time measure in such an extraordinary situation. You should be allowed to write the exam. ”, says Gaurav Kumar Thakur, a scientist with a Delhi-based government organization whose last attempt ended in 2020.
An engineering graduate from Madhya Pradesh, who is also a government employee, narrating her ordeal, appeared for the exam in July despite a severe Covid infection. Priya says, “I am battling with health issues since April 2021. Despite working hard for the exam, I could not revise the syllabus at the last minute and try to keep myself updated with the latest developments for GS preparation. Couldn’t track it down.” She wants the government to allow extra effort and age relaxation to such candidates on compassionate grounds.
Dr Shailaja Rao based in Bangalore could not concentrate on her preparation in the last attempt, due to multiple responsibilities of duty as a doctor, mother etc, the government was asked to consider additional efforts to ensure age relaxation and better equality. requested.
“The situation took a toll on the physical and mental health of our family members. Amidst traumatic stress, I had to appear for UPSC Prelims exam on October 4, 2020 as it was my last attempt according to my age. The government should pay heed to our demand,” says Dr Rao.
Number Of Attempts
As per the eligibility criteria, General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category candidates have a maximum of six attempts till the age of 32 years, while OBC, Defense Services Personnel and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBD) candidates have nine attempts till the age of 35 years. bar may be present. There is a provision for unlimited attempts till the age of 37 years for SC/ST candidates.
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