The Union Public Service Commission has introduced a new Centre of Choice feature for candidates belonging to the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category. This initiative is designed to strengthen accessibility, convenience, and inclusivity within the examination process for one of the country’s most competitive recruitment systems. The decision applies to all examinations conducted by the commission, including the Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, and other recruitment tests held throughout the year.
According to the commission, the Centre of Choice option will allow PwBD candidates to select an examination centre of their preference at the time of application. This facility is intended to ensure that candidates with benchmark disabilities can choose a centre that best suits their physical needs, mobility considerations, and logistical requirements. The objective is to reduce the travel challenges that many PwBD candidates face during national level recruitment examinations.
UPSC clarified that the existing procedure of allotting seats at examination centres will continue for all candidates, irrespective of category. Under this mechanism, the capacity of each centre is filled based on availability and the order of applications received. Both PwBD and non PwBD candidates compete for seats in the same pool during this initial stage. If the preferred centre reaches full capacity during this phase, the candidate is usually allotted the next available centre.
However, with the introduction of the Centre of Choice facility, PwBD candidates will have an added advantage. If a PwBD candidate is unable to secure a seat in their preferred centre through the usual allocation cycle, the commission will make efforts to accommodate them at that specific centre, even beyond the regular capacity, subject to feasibility and administrative considerations. This additional flexibility ensures greater comfort and accessibility for PwBD candidates without disrupting the normal allocation process for others.
The commission has highlighted that this move aligns with the broader objective of making national level examinations more inclusive. UPSC examinations often require candidates to travel significant distances to reach their exam locations. For candidates with benchmark disabilities, this journey can be physically challenging, logistically demanding, and at times, an obstacle to equal participation. The Centre of Choice system is therefore seen as a step towards addressing long standing concerns raised by candidates and disability rights groups.
The commission has also advised PwBD applicants to carefully select their preferred centres while filling out the online application forms. Candidates are encouraged to choose locations that are geographically convenient and accessible in terms of transport, infrastructure, and personal mobility needs. The UPSC website will continue to publish detailed guidelines for PwBD candidates, including provisions related to scribes, compensatory time, and examination hall arrangements.
Education experts have welcomed the commission’s decision, calling it a significant measure to improve inclusivity in India’s premier civil and administrative recruitment process. They believe the initiative will encourage more candidates with disabilities to attempt UPSC examinations with greater confidence.
With this announcement, the commission has reinforced its commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates by introducing structural reforms that recognise and address the diverse needs of aspirants across the country.
