PCS exam likely to be held in UT

Patiala : The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) seems all set to hold the much-awaited Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination, 2009, on December 19. Information available with TNS indicates that this time the examination centres are likely to be set up in Chandigarh. Sources in the PPSC told TNS that with a view to “tightening the security” of candidates and ensuring the smooth conduct of the examination outside Punjab, it was most likely to be held in Chandigarh. Senior PPSC officials confirmed that while an official meeting in this regard was scheduled for December 16 in Patiala, a decision in principle had been taken to shift the examination out of Punjab.“The interference of administrative officials, including the police, would be the least in the Union Territory and there are many other things that will be better taken care of in Chandigarh”, they added. The members have also decided to videograph the examination to ensure “transparency.” “We do not want impostors or minor glitches to hamper the exam and hence such precautionary measures are being taken”, said a PPSC member, preferring anonymity. The PPSC has further decided to divide the examination centres into various zones and despite issuing admit cards earlier, it would inform the candidates two days prior to the examination of their centre code. On December 17 all candidates will be informed about their codes, which will further direct them to their respective examination centres. Talking about the new strict norms, a PPSC member, Brig DS Grewal (retd), said the maximum measures would be taken for the proper and transparent conduct of the examination. “We have a meeting a couple of days before the exam to chalk out further strategy to make the system more convenient for the candidates, he added.