New Delhi: In a major move to enhance accessibility and convenience for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has overhauled its examination centre allocation system for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2026.
Announcing the initiative, UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar emphasized that the changes will ensure no PwBD candidate is denied their preferred exam centre, while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the examination process.
No Cap on Exam Centre Capacity for PwBD Candidates
Under the revised mechanism, examination centres will no longer have a cap for PwBD candidates.
Existing centres will be utilized by both PwBD and non-PwBD candidates initially. Once full capacity is reached, non-PwBD candidates will no longer be able to select the centre, but PwBD candidates can continue to choose it.
Additional capacity will be created wherever required to accommodate all PwBD candidates at their preferred locations.
Dr. Ajay Kumar explained, “An analysis of examination centre data over the past five years revealed that high-demand centres, such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, and Lucknow, quickly reach full capacity, causing difficulties for PwBD candidates. This revised mechanism ensures that every PwBD candidate can access their preferred exam centre conveniently.”
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Expansion of Examination Centres
To reduce pressure on high-demand locations:
Preliminary Examination:
Total centres increased from 80 to 83.
New centres added: Meerut (decongest Delhi-NCR), Kanpur (decongest Lucknow), Bhubaneswar (supplement Cuttack).
Mains Examination:
- Total centres increased from 24 to 27.
New centres added: Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, Imphal.
Survey of Candidate Preferences
The revamped Online Application Portal now allows candidates to indicate preferred nearby cities along with their selected exam centres.
This data will be used to identify potential locations for new examination centres, enhancing planning and candidate convenience in future exams.
Technology-Driven Reforms
Photo verification and face recognition have been introduced to strengthen identity verification across all stages of the examination.
These measures aim to enhance the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the selection process.
Dr. Ajay Kumar stated, “The Commission has adopted the latest technology to ensure a free, fair, inclusive, and accessible examination process, while ensuring that selections are strictly merit-based.”
Context and Vacancies
- Civil Services Examination 2026: 933 vacancies.
- Indian Forest Service Examination 2026: 80 vacancies.
The initiatives form part of UPSC’s Centenary Year celebrations and reflect its continued commitment to modernizing examination processes while upholding highest standards of fairness and integrity.
