UPSC
Representative image. Photo credit - Livemint

The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2020, scheduled to be held on May 31, has been deferred.

The decision was taken during a special meeting held on Monday by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to review the situation after the second phase of the nationwide lockdown due to COVID19.

Taking notice of the extension of restrictions, the Commission decided that it will not be possible to resume examinations and interviews for the present, said the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

“The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2020, scheduled to be held on May 31, 2020 therefore stands deferred,” the ministry said in a statement.

Since this examination also serves as the screening test for the Indian Forest Service Examination, the schedule for the Indian Forest Service Examination is also deferred, the ministry said further.

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.

The Commission has already deferred the following: (a) Personality test for remaining candidates for the Civil Services Examination, 2019; (b) Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2020; (c) Combined Medical Services Examination, 2020; (d) Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2020 and (e) NDA & Naval Academy Examination, 2020.

“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 ministry further said.