Bhubaneswar: As scheduled by OPSC, the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main examinations 2020 started at different centres across the state amid strict COVID protocols on Thursday.
Total 4,754 candidates have qualified the OCS Preliminary examinations to appear at the Main examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The Main examinations, held in two sittings at 16 centres in five zones, will conclude on February 8.
Earlier, the OPSC had clarified that the OCS Main examinations would not be postponed after some candidates urged chief minister Naveen Patnaik to postpone the tests in the wake of outbreak of the third wave of COVID.
In an official notification on January 15, the OPSC stated that the examinations for OCS and assistant surgeon posts will be held amid COVID protocols as per the schedule. The commission had issued a set of guidelines to be followed by the candidates.
As per the OPSC guidelines, wearing N95 face mask has been made mandatory for all candidates. While provisions have been made for sanitisation at examination centres, the candidates are allowed to carry their own hand sanitisers in a transparent bottle.
The sitting arrangements have also been made in the examination halls keeping the social distancing in mind. At the same time, the candidates have been asked to follow the norm on the premises of the venue.
If any candidate develops COVID symptoms during the examination, he can inform the respective invigilator so that he can be accommodated in a special room arranged for the purpose.