Nashik UPSC Exam: Candidates Denied Entry Over Delay

On Sunday, September 13, chaos erupted at an examination centre in Nashik during the UPSC NDA and CDS examinations. Some candidates were allegedly denied entry for arriving late, sparking an uproar among candidates and parents.

The incident occurred when some students arrived a few seconds after the stipulated reporting time, only to be turned away. They claimed that traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and difficulties in reaching the centre contributed to the delay.

The situation outside the centre became tense, with police personnel deployed to control the crowd. The candidates questioned whether some consideration could have been given to those delayed due to traffic-related problems.

Nashik District Collector Ayush Prasad presented the administration's side, stating that UPSC examination rules are strict and controlled at the central level. He compared the rules to those followed during elections, where prescribed times are adhered to strictly.

Prasad said that once the gates are closed, the local administration has no authority to intervene. He also mentioned that no candidate claimed the entry gates were closed before the stipulated time.

The Collector personally visited some examination centres and found no public works underway near the centres or at their gates, leading him to reject the students' claims.

The incident has raised questions about examination-centre management and the need for better arrangements at venues during major competitive examinations.

The NDA-II Mathematics paper was scheduled from 10 am to 12:30 pm, while the General Ability Test (GAT) was scheduled from 2 pm to 4 pm.

The strict enforcement of the reporting deadline has sparked debate about the need for flexibility in such situations.

The incident highlights the importance of proper planning and management of examination centres to avoid such situations in the future.

In conclusion, the denial of entry to candidates due to delay has sparked controversy, with the Collector defending the UPSC rules and the candidates seeking consideration for traffic-related delays.