Will UPSC Postpone NDA Exam Amid COVID Surge? Latest Details

With several states announcing restrictions due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, many students are worried and asking whether UPSC will conduct the NDA 2021 exam or not.

It is pertinent to mention here that the UPSC has so far not made any official statement regarding the postponement of NDA exams. Hence, NDA exams will be held on the scheduled date, April 18.

However, the commission has laid out strict guidelines for students who will be appearing for the NDA keeping in view the safety of the candidates.

Here are some of the important safety guidelines:

1. Wearing of mask/face cover is mandatory for all candidates. Candidates without mask/face cover will not be allowed entry into the Venue.

2. Candidates, however, will have to remove their masks for verification, whenever required by the Examination
functionaries.

3. Candidate may carry his/her own hand sanitizer (small size) in transparent bottle.

4. Candidates to follow COVID 19 norms of ‘social distancing’ as well as ‘personal hygiene’ inside the Examination
Halls/Rooms as well as in the premises of the Venue.

Among others, students will have to bring their e-Admit card (print out), along with the (original) Photo Identity Card, whose number is mentioned in the eAdmit Card , in each session to secure admission to Examination Hall.

a. Entry into the Examination Venue shall be closed 10 minutes before the scheduled commencement of the Examination i.e. 9:50 AM for the Forenoon Session and 01:50 PM for the Afternoon Session. No candidate shall be allowed to enter into the Examination Venue after closure of the entry.

b. Candidates are advised to visit their Examination Venue at least one day in advance and familiarize themselves with the itinerary to avoid the last minute hassle in their own interest. They should reach the Examination Venue on the day of Examination well in time for frisking.

c. Candidate should not be in possession of or using any mobile phone (even in switched off mode), pager or any electronic equipment or programmable device or storage media like pen drive, smart watches, etc., or camera or Bluetooth devices or any other equipment or related accessories either in working or switched off mode capable of being used as a communication device during the examination. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future Examinations.

d. Use of normal or simple wrist watches by candidates is allowed inside the Examination Rooms/ Halls. However, use of watches fitted with any special accessory that might be used as communication device or smart watches is strictly prohibited and candidates are not allowed to take such watches into the Examination Rooms/ Halls.

e. There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate.

f. Answers other than those made by Black Ball Point Pen would not be evaluated.

g. Candidates are advised not to bring any valuables/costly items to the Examination Hall, as safe keeping of the same can not be assured. The Commission will not be responsible for any loss in this regard.

h. Candidates who do not have clear photographs on the e-admit card will have to bring a photo identity proof and two passport size photographs one for each session for appearing at the examination with an undertaking.

i. Candidates should note that any omission/ mistake/ discrepancy in encoding / filling in details in the OMR answer sheet, especially with regard to Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code, will render the answer sheet liable for rejection.

Visit the official website of UPSC for more details.