OCS Main Exams begin in Odisha amid COVID protocols

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Exams-2020 began at 16 centres in five zones of the state today with strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

The exams will be held in two sittings– from 9 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5 pm. The examinations are scheduled to conclude on February 8.

A total of 4,754 candidates who qualified the OCS Preliminary Exams are appearing for the Main Examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC).

The commission has issued a set of guidelines for candidates in view of the COVID-19 situation.

Wearing N95 face mask has been made mandatory for all candidates. Those without mask will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.

They will be asked to remove their masks for verification, whenever required by the examination functionaries.

Candidates may carry his/ her hand sanitiser (small size) in a transparent bottle. However, provisions have been made for sanitization of hands at each examination hall.

They must follow COVID-19 norms of social distancing as well as personal hygiene inside the examination hall as well as on the premises of the venue. The sitting arrangements have been made accordingly keeping in view the social distancing norms.

In case a candidate develops COVID symptoms, he/ she shall bring it to the notice of the invigilator immediately. Isolation-cum-Examination hall has been arranged for such candidates.

Earlier, OPSC aspirants had urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to postpone the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Main Exam-2020 in view of the COVID-19 situation.

Also read– OPSC Aspirants Urge Odisha CM To Postpone OCS Main Exam Over COVID Situation.