UPSC Introduces ‘Centre of Choice’ Facility for PwBD Candidates to Ensure Accessible Exams

UPSC Introduces ‘Centre of Choice’ Facility for PwBD Candidates to Ensure Accessible Exams

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a major reform aimed at improving examination accessibility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Beginning with upcoming recruitment cycles, every PwBD candidate will now be assured the examination centre of their choice, regardless of capacity constraints at popular centres.

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The new decision is announced on December 12, 2025, following UPSC’s internal review of exam centre allocation data from the past five years.

According to UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar, centres such as Delhi, Cuttack, Patna, and Lucknow tend to reach maximum capacity earlier than others due to a high number of applicants. This often forced PwBD candidates to choose alternative centres far from their preferred locations, creating avoidable logistical difficulties.

Under the new policy, UPSC will prioritise accessibility and convenience for PwBD candidates by restructuring its centre allocation process. The existing capacity of each exam centre will be utilised simultaneously for both PwBD and non-PwBD applicants.

Once a centre becomes full, it will remain available only to PwBD candidates, while non-PwBD candidates will no longer be able to select it.

To support this feature, UPSC will arrange additional capacity wherever necessary, ensuring that no PwBD candidate is denied their preferred examination venue. Dr. Kumar said that this initiative directly addresses long-standing challenges faced by disabled applicants and reflects the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity.