Not in favour of giving extra chance to age-barred aspirants for civil service exam-2021: Centre to SC

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday apprised the Supreme Court that it is against granting one-time relaxation on age limit to UPSC civil service aspirants and no extra chance will be given to civil service candidates affected by COVID-19 as it would be discriminatory to other candidates.

A Bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar was informed by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju that initially the Centre was not willing to concede the extra chance and it was later done at the suggestion of the bench.

“This is not the exam where you prepare at the last minutes. People prepare for years together,” ASG told the bench, adding, “My first offer remains”.

The Apex Court bench was hearing a petition seeking an extra attempt in the UPSC exams for those candidates who had their last attempt in the preliminary exam held in October 2020.

It also sought an extra opportunity to students who could not appear for civil services exams due to COVID-19.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, on behalf of candidates, had earlier submitted that the top court has directed the Centre to consider grant of an extra chance considering the difficulties of COVID-19. (UNI)