Centre of Choice Facility for PwBD Candidates
15.12.2025
Centre of Choice Facility for PwBD Candidates
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 the News
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: All PwBD candidates are guaranteed their preferred centre.
- Irrespective of Capacity: Centres will be available to PwBD candidates even after capacity limits are reached for other candidates.
- Additional Capacity: UPSC will create additional capacity where required, ensuring no PwBD applicant is denied their choice.
- Data-Driven Reform: The reform is based on a 5-year analysis of overcrowded centres such as Delhi, Patna, Lucknow, and Cuttack.
Significance
The new initiative is significant as it:
- Strengthens Inclusive Policy: It strengthens inclusive examination policy and aligns with rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- Reduces Barriers: It reduces cost, travel burden, and physical barriers for disabled candidates.
- Enhances Equity: It enhances equity, fairness, and provides a level playing field in India’s premier examinations.
- Model Institution: It reaffirms UPSC’s role as a model institution for accessible governance.
Conclusion
The ‘Centre of Choice’ facility is a proactive, data-driven reform by UPSC that demonstrates commitment to the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination enshrined in the RPwD Act, 2016, setting a benchmark for inclusive governance in public examinations.