Will UPSC 2020 be Conducted Amidst the Pandemic?

The upcoming UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, specifically the Civil Services Preliminary Exam for the year 2020, is a topic of considerable debate and concern. The decision to conduct this crucial step in the civil services preparation process is not merely about examination logistics but also the health and safety of all involved.

The Immediate Challenges

Conducting the Civil Services Preliminary Exam in early 2020 during the peak of the pandemic presents significant challenges. Cases were on the rise, and the potential spread of the virus through a large-scale examination could have severe consequences. Moreover, the pitfalls of allowing infected candidates to participate alongside healthy ones are nothing short of evident.

Health and safety are paramount. The infrastructure and staffing required to support such a large-scale event are also questionable. The potential for a surge in cases during the examination period would be a cause for concern. Therefore, the decision to bring this exam forward could be unbearable, placing both the examinees and the staff at risk.

A Focus on Navigating the Pandemic

The primary concern should be the safety and well-being of all aspirants, staff, and candidates involved. Canceling the exam in 2020 might be necessary to protect everyone. At a time when lives are at risk, it would be irrational to proceed with the examination. Given the severity and unpredictability of the situation, the best course of action is to postpone the exam for the current year and plan for its future edition.

Preparation Now: Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty

The situation for UPSC aspirants is challenging. Rather than stressing about the uncertain conducting of the exam, this period should be focused on preparing for the next steps. As the pandemic continues to evolve, an aspirant’s immediate focus should be on survival, as this is the only priority.

The aspirants should leverage this time to prepare extensively for the Main Examination, which is scheduled for late next year. This is also a great opportunity to complete their optional subject well in advance. Many have already started preparing with intensive revision modules and answer writing skill development programs.

Examples of Preparation Programmes

For instance, some friends have joined the 51-day revision module provided by KSG, an organization well-known for its thorough and effective preparation for the preliminary exam. Another popular option is the answer writing skill development program at KSG, which includes daily evaluation of two questions by the KSG team. These questions cover both static and current affairs.

Additionally, KSG provides weekly mentoring calls to keep aspirants on track and motivated. These programs offer a structured approach to mastering the subject matter and instilling confidence in one’s abilities.

Conclusion

The decision to postpone the UPSC 2020 exam is highly sensitive and should be taken primarily to protect public health. This moment is not about the logistics of conducting an exam, but about the safety of those involved.

The aspirants must seize this opportunity to focus on their preparation with a positive mindset. By leveraging the many available resources and programs, they can stay ahead of the curve and emerge stronger in the subsequent examinations. Everyone’s well-being is the priority, and the preparation phase must reflect that.