UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2020: Candidates turn up in numbers battling COVID-imposed restrictions

New Delhi: Despite the COVID-19 fear, hundreds of candidates turned up at the examination centres across the country to appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020.

Many used public transport to reach the centres. “I used public transport to reach the centre. It was not safe, but what can I do? I had to appear for the exam,” a candidate said.

“I think everyone appearing for the UPSC exam today is well aware of the health risks and we’re mature enough to follow health precautions prescribed by the authorities,” another candidate said.

Dilip Singh, Father of a UPSC aspirant now wants life to be normal taking all safety measures. “I think the most difficult phase of COVID-19 is slowly evaporating. The government needs to bring life back in order and we must cooperate with the best of our sensibilities. We must take responsibility for our personal safety and follow the rules prescribed by the government for institutional safety too,” Singh was quoted as saying by EdexLive.

The Supreme Court on September 30 rejected pleas to postpone the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination scheduled for October 4. Justice AM Khanwilkar-headed bench, however, asked the Centre to consider granting one more chance to those aspirants who may not appear in their last attempt for the exam due for the COVID-19 pandemic.