New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) The Centre on Friday informed the Supreme Court that a plea of granting one more attempt for aspirants preparing for civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, is under consideration and decision will be taken in next two to three weeks.

The reply from the Centre came over a writ petition seeking an extra chance for the aspirants as they faced difficulty in preparing and appearing for the examination this year due to Covid-19-induced crisis.

As per the rules, a student can appear for the UPSC examination for six times or till the age of 32, whichever is earliest. There is age and attempt relaxation for reserved category students.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre and the UPSC, told a three-judge bench comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar, BR Gavai and Krishna Murari that rules have to be amended for granting an extra chance and discussion is taking place over it.

Noted lawyer Mukul Rohtagi told the court that students failed to prepare properly owing to the unprecedented crisis and their plea should be considered.

It was also put before the court that the extra attempt was granted to all students and not particularly to those who had their last attempt or are 32 years old.

On September 30, the Apex Court rejected a plea of postponing the 2020 UPSC Civil Services Preliminary examination that was slated for October 4, but asked the Centre to reply on granting an extra chance.

The bench posted the matter for January 11, 2021.

UNI PS SB 1645