25,000 Gujarat Students Take UPSC Civil Services Prelims
Thousands of aspirants across the nation appeared for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services preliminary examination today, with Gujarat registering 25,000 candidates. The examination was conducted in two phases, featuring the General Studies paper from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Candidates underwent thorough security checks before being granted entry to examination centers, required to present their admit cards and identification documents. Students arrived at centers approximately one hour before the scheduled examination time to complete entry procedures.
The General Studies paper encompassed questions from history, geography, economics, political science, and science subjects. The CSAT section focused on comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical ability assessments. Recent years have witnessed candidates finding the CSAT paper particularly challenging.
Aspirant Profiles and Motivations
In Rajkot, 3,157 candidates appeared at 12 examination centers. Jaya Modhvadiya, a student taking the exam, expressed her perspective on career choices: “If we must work from 9 AM to 5 PM anyway, we should pursue something meaningful. I’ve been preparing for this examination for two years with aspirations of becoming an IAS or IPS officer.”
Hariom Singh, originally from Banaras and currently serving as a Junior Executive with the Airport Authority in Jamnagar, shared his preparation strategy: “I’ve conducted online preparation using YouTube channels for this competitive examination. I’ve been preparing for the UPSC exam for one year with dreams of becoming an IPS officer.”
Examination Center Arrangements
Amit Joshi, Center Superintendent at Sadguru Women’s College in Rajkot, detailed the examination protocols: “The Civil Services preliminary examination is being conducted with two papers – morning session from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and afternoon session from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. Police personnel conducted physical verification of all candidates. Students were prohibited from carrying any items except admit cards and pens. Medical facilities and medicines are available for candidates experiencing health issues.”
Entry procedures commenced 1.5 hours before examination time, with gates closing 30 minutes prior to paper commencement. Candidates gained admission solely through e-admit cards, which contained essential instructions from the Commission.
Prohibited Items and Security Measures
Mobile phones, IT devices, electronic gadgets, smart-digital watches, books, bags, and valuable items were strictly prohibited as specified in e-admit card instructions. Examination venues provided no storage facilities, requiring candidates to make personal arrangements for valuable belongings. The Commission disclaimed responsibility for any lost items.
Permitted items included only e-admit cards, pens, pencils, identity proof, photographs, and items specifically mentioned in admit cards.
Regional Participation
Surat hosted 4,454 candidates across 15 centers, with the city serving as an examination center for the fourth consecutive year. All candidates completed screening procedures before gaining entry.
Each examination hall accommodated 24 candidates under supervision of two invigilators. Police personnel conducted thorough frisking of all candidates, while jammers were installed in every examination room. Comprehensive police arrangements ensured law and order maintenance throughout the examination period.
The examination represents a crucial step for thousands of aspirants seeking careers in India’s prestigious civil services, with candidates demonstrating months or years of dedicated preparation for this challenging competitive assessment.