Context: UPSC has introduced a new ‘Centre of Choice’ facility ensuring that all Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates receive their preferred exam centre.
About ‘Centre of Choice’ Facility for PwBD Candidates:
What it is?
- A new UPSC initiative guaranteeing that every PwBD applicant is allotted the exam centre they select in their application form, irrespective of capacity constraints.
Aim: To ensure exam accessibility, convenience, and dignity for PwBD candidates.
Key Features:
- Guaranteed preferred centre for all PwBD candidates.
- Centres will be available to PwBD candidates even after capacity limits are reached for other candidates.
- UPSC will create additional capacity where required, ensuring no PwBD applicant is denied their choice.
- Data-driven reform based on 5-year analysis of overcrowded centres such as Delhi, Patna, Lucknow, Cuttack.
Significance:
- Strengthens inclusive examination policy and aligns with rights under the RPwD Act, 2016.
- Reduces cost, travel burden, and physical barriers for disabled candidates.
- Enhances equity, fairness, and level playing field in India’s premier examinations.
- Reaffirms UPSC’s role as a model institution for accessible governance.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
- GS Paper 2 – Governance & Social Justice
- Disability rights, RPwD Act, inclusive institutions
- Citizen-centric reforms & accessible public services
- GS Paper 4 – Ethics
- Equality, justice, empathy, dignity of individuals
- Ethical conduct of public authorities
- GS Paper 1 – Society
- Issues faced by PwDs, social inclusion, challenges in access
