Imphal: In a landmark decision for Civil Services aspirants in Manipur, the Union Government has approved the establishment of a UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examination Centre in Imphal, effective from 2026. The announcement was made by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Leishemba Sanajaoba on his official Facebook page on Thursday.
Efforts to Establish Imphal Examination Centre
Sanajaoba expressed gratitude to the Government of India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for addressing concerns he had raised on behalf of aspirants from Manipur.
The demand for a UPSC Mains Examination Centre in Imphal was first highlighted by the MP through a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha on March 22, 2021.
He further wrote to the Prime Minister on August 10, 2022, seeking sympathetic consideration for candidates facing challenges in travelling to distant examination centres outside the state.
Addressing Language Challenges for Manipuri Candidates
Sanajaoba also highlighted challenges faced by candidates opting for Manipuri language and literature in the Civil Services exam:
Previously, candidates were required to write answers in the Bengali script, which many Manipuri students were unfamiliar with.
After a Special Mention on February 8, 2023, the Union Government approved the use of Meitei Mayek script for the Manipuri optional paper.
During the 2026 Budget Session, the MP requested that question papers for the Manipuri optional subject be printed in both Meitei Mayek and Bengali scripts, as many students are proficient only in Meitei Mayek.
Significance for Aspirants in Manipur
Sanajaoba described the move as a major step in addressing long-standing concerns of Civil Services aspirants from the state.
The new examination centre will significantly reduce the logistical challenges faced by candidates travelling to distant cities for Mains exams.
Printing question papers in Meitei Mayek alongside Bengali will ensure fair assessment of students opting for the Manipuri language subject.
MP’s Appreciation to the Centre
Sanajaoba conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the people of Manipur, particularly Civil Services aspirants, and hailed the government’s decision as a positive move to empower youth and strengthen access to national examinations.
