Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: With flood-related disruptions continuing in several parts of Odisha following the recent cyclone, candidates appearing for the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Mains examination have urged the authorities to defer the examination by at least 15 days.
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The examination is scheduled to commence on October 31, but aspirants from several districts, particularly southern Odisha, have raised concerns over transportation difficulties, disrupted connectivity and waterlogging in their respective areas.
Candidates have appealed to both the state government and the OPSC to reconsider the examination schedule, arguing that the prevailing situation could prevent many aspirants from reaching their designated examination centres on time.
Cyclone Disruptions Add to Candidates’ Concerns
The OPSC Mains examination was originally scheduled to begin on October 29. However, in view of the approaching cyclone, the commission rescheduled the examination to October 31.
Although the cyclonic system has moved away, its aftermath continues to affect normal life in several parts of the state. Waterlogging, damaged roads and flood-like conditions have created fresh challenges for candidates preparing to travel to examination centres.
Aspirants from southern Odisha have expressed particular concern, saying that transportation services remain disrupted in some areas. Train services have reportedly been affected on certain routes, while irregular bus operations have added to the difficulties faced by candidates.
Aspirants Seek Fair Opportunity
Apart from travel-related challenges, several candidates have pointed out that the adverse weather conditions and flooding have also affected their examination preparations.
Disruptions at home, difficulties in accessing study materials and uncertainty over transportation have added to the stress of candidates who have been preparing for the competitive examination.
Aspirants believe that conducting the examination under the prevailing circumstances could put candidates from cyclone- and flood-affected regions at a disadvantage compared to those from relatively unaffected areas.
They have, therefore, requested the commission to grant an additional 15 days before conducting the Mains examination so that all candidates get a fair and equal opportunity to appear.
Decision Awaited From OPSC
With the examination date approaching, candidates are awaiting an official response from the commission regarding their demand.
The aspirants have maintained that their appeal is not for an indefinite postponement but for a reasonable extension to allow transportation services and normal connectivity to improve across affected districts.
Whether the OPSC will reconsider the October 31 schedule remains to be seen. For now, uncertainty continues among candidates, particularly those travelling from flood-affected parts of Odisha.
