Guwahati: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rolled out a fresh set of technological upgrades and exam-centre expansions for this year’s Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS), moves that are expected to directly benefit aspirants from Guwahati and across the Northeast.
According to UPSC, the revamped online application system aims to improve transparency, streamline the registration process, and strengthen examination security, key concerns for thousands of candidates from Assam who travel long distances to appear for the national-level exams.
UPSC has introduced a revamped online application system and expanded exam centres for the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service examinations. The Commission has removed centre capacity limits for PwBD candidates, added new Prelims and Mains centres, and announced 933 CSE and 80 IFoS vacancies for this year.
What’s Changed in the Application Process
UPSC said the updated application portal has been designed to make the submission process smoother while increasing transparency at multiple stages. The Commission noted that the changes are intended to reduce errors, improve candidate experience, and enhance scrutiny during examinations.
For Guwahati-based aspirants, many of whom rely heavily on online systems due to distance from Delhi, these improvements are expected to simplify application-related formalities.
Expanded Access for PwBD Candidates
One of the key reforms this year is the removal of the cap on examination centre capacity for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). UPSC said this step ensures better access and flexibility for PwBD candidates, allowing them to select centres without being restricted by seat limits.
This change is particularly relevant for candidates from Assam and neighbouring states, where limited centre availability has often posed logistical challenges.
New Exam Centres Added
To further ease candidate movement, UPSC has added three new centres each for the Preliminary and Main examinations.
New Prelims centres:
- Meerut
- Kanpur
- Bhubaneswar
New Mains centres:
- Bhubaneswar
- Srinagar
- Imphal
The inclusion of Imphal as a Mains centre is being seen as a significant step for the Northeast, reducing travel burdens for candidates from Assam, Manipur, and nearby states, including Guwahati aspirants.
UPSC also confirmed that it has begun surveying candidates to assess demand for additional centres in the future.
Vacancy Numbers Announced
For the current cycle, UPSC has announced:
- 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination
- 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service Examination
Coaching centres and aspirant groups in Guwahati say the vacancy numbers will play a key role in shaping preparation strategies for students appearing from the region.
Why This Matters for Guwahati Aspirants
Guwahati serves as the primary UPSC preparation hub for Assam and much of the Northeast. Improved digital systems, relaxed PwBD centre norms, and the addition of nearby exam centres are expected to reduce logistical stress and costs for candidates preparing from the city.
Education experts say these measures could encourage wider participation from the region in national competitive examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the UPSC changes help Guwahati-based candidates?
The upgraded application portal simplifies online processes, while new and closer exam centres, especially Imphal, reduce travel distance and associated costs for aspirants from Guwahati and the Northeast.
What are the total vacancies announced by UPSC this year?
UPSC has announced 933 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination and 80 vacancies for the Indian Forest Service Examination.
