RRB & OPSC exam date clash leaves Odisha candidates in lurch

Odisha candidates face an exam date clash as RRB's Junior Engineer test and OPSC's OAS main examination are both scheduled for April 22. The candidates are left with no other choice than to choose either the RRB or OPSC exam, sparking rescheduling demands.

RRB & OPSC exam date clash leaves Odisha candidates in lurch

RRB & OPSC emblems for representational purpose

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Candidates in Odisha find themselves in a challenging situation as two major examinations are scheduled for the same day, sources said on Wednesday.

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The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) will conduct its national-level Junior Engineer exam on April 22, the same day the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has set for the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) main examination.

This scheduling conflict leaves numerous candidates eligible for both exams in the lurch, as they must choose between the OAS, a state-level Class 1 examination, and the RRB exam, classified as a national-level Class B assessment.

The clash arose because the OPSC had set its exam dates well in advance, spanning from April 19 to April 27. Subsequently, the RRB modified its previously announced schedule to hold its examination on April 22.

Candidates, particularly those approaching the upper age limit for eligibility, have expressed concern and requested a rescheduling of one of the exams.

However, with the RRB's nationwide significance, any change seems improbable. The OPSC, having considered multiple factors before finalising its schedule, finds itself constrained.

Both examination authorities have yet to comment on potential solutions, reminiscent of past conflicts resolved by the State government, such as the rescheduling of the Police Sub-Inspector examination to avoid overlap with the Assistant Agriculture Officer exam.

Notably, the situation has reignited debate and demands for better coordination in future timetabling.

Former Chief Secretary has a solution

“Once it comes to the knowledge of the authorities concerned (RRB and OPSC), they must take appropriate steps. Otherwise, who will suffer? It is the candidates from Odisha, who will suffer. Hence, our exam date should ideally be shifted to another date,” former Odisha Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo expressed to OTV.

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“The final decision lies with the chairperson (of OPSC) after he comes to know about this,” the former Chief Secretary further said.

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