UPSC Civil Services: Interview dates released, important update for candidates travelling by airlines

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the interview schedule for UPSC Civil Services 2020. As per the schedule, UPSC civil services interview rounds for all the qualified candidates will be held from April 26, 2021 and will continue till June 18, 2021 in two sessions i.e in Morning at 9 AM and in Afternoon at 1 PM. The call letters or e-summon for the UPSC CSE Interview 2020 will be available shortly at upsc.gov.in and upsconline.in.

The UPSC CSE interview will be held in the Office of the Union Public Service Commission at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069.

Flight tickets of candidates to be reimbursed

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic situation, UPSC has decided to provide Travel Allowances (TA) to the candidates for their 'to' and 'fro' journey to attend the interview.

The UPSC in its official notice stated that the commission will reimburse the lowest 'to' and 'fro' airfare for travelling by Air India or any other private Airlines to the outstation candidates for attending interviews/ Personality Test.

However, candidates must note that UPSC has laid certain conditions for booking flight tickets or train tickets to get them reimbursed by the commission.

1. Candidates are advised to opt for the cheapest flight ticket under economy class immediately after downloading the call letter for the interview round.

2. They must book the air tickets either directly from the Airlines (Booking counters, websites) or through the travel agents authorized by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance viz. Ashoka Tours & Travels, Balmer & Lawrie, and IRCTC only.

3. Air Tickets booked through Private travel agents including MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Goibibo, Ease My Trip etc. will not be reimbursed, as per the official notice.

4. The nearest airport will be determined on the basis of the address given by the candidates in their Detailed Application Forms (DAFs).

5. UPSC has also directed the candidates to bring the hard copies of the air tickets of both to and fro journeys showing the details of airfare along with the boarding pass for onward journey for reimbursement.

6. Second/ Sleeper class train fare (Mail Express) will be reimbursed if the candidate performs their journey by Rail irrespective of Class in accordance with para 132 of service rule," the official notice read.

"It may be noted that in case of deviation from the above conditions the TA claims of the candidate may not be considered," the notice reads further.

UPSC Civil Service Prelims Exam 2020

UPSC Civil Service Prelims Exam 2020 was held on October 4 and the result was declared on October 23, 2020. Shortlisted candidates were called for mains exam January 8, 2021 to January 17, 2021 and UPSC Civil Service Mains Result was declared on March 23, 2021.

Source : DNA India