Security measures have been heightened as more than 4,000 aspirants will sit for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services (preliminary) examination across the district on Sunday, even as shadow of recent cancellation of National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) following a paper leak looms large.
A total of 4,353 candidates will appear at 14 centres in the district. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain has ordered imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), in and around the examination centres, banning assembly of four or more persons within a 100-metre radius from midnight on Saturday to 8 pm on Sunday.
The restrictions will not apply to aspirants, authorised invigilators and officials deployed on duty.
Jain said the step was taken to prevent unlawful assembly, unfair practices, public nuisance and activities that may disturb the examination or compromise its integrity.
The examination will be conducted in two sessions — paper-I from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and paper-II from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Jammers have been installed at all examination centres and gates will close at 9 am.
Candidates will be allowed entry an hour and a half before the commencement of the examination.
Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jasleen Kaur Bhullar directed officials to ensure smooth conduct of the examination. She said all personnel assigned duties had been briefed about their roles and responsibilities.
What not to carry
Candidates will not be allowed to carry electronic devices, including mobile phones, pagers, pen drives, smart watches, cameras, Bluetooth devices or any communication-enabled accessories.
Simple wristwatches — ones without communication features — are permitted.
