UPSC Extra Chance For Last Attempt Candidates : 'Is It Possible To Give Age Relaxation?', SC Asks Centre - LIVE UPDATES

Divan refers to the arguments in pleadings regarding the impact of lockdown on the preparations. 

Divan : The syllabus of the exam requires intensive preparation, access to coaching classes, materials etc. Public exams seek to remove inequities. 

Divan says that these last chance candidates should be treated as a "homogeneous class".

Divan : I fully recognize this is a matter of policy. But when we give an extra chance, we cannot exclude someone who is hit by the age-bar.

Divan : Every time they increased the number of attempts, they have given age relaxation.

Divan says that in 2015, the age-bar was 34. This year, if relaxation is given, they will be giving exam at 33.

Divan says there was never a uniform age policy.

Divan refers to the earlier order of the Supreme Court which urged Centre to explore the possibility of last chance with "corresponding extension of age limit".

Divan says extra chance and age-bar relaxations are "inter-twined".

Divan submits that many UPSC candidates were front line warriors against COVID19 being doctors, nurses etc.

Divan : Why should someone who faced the exact same difficulties due to pandemic be denied the benefit of extra chance just because of their age?

Divan : We are grateful for the one extra chance. But many of us are age-barred. We are requesting to extend this to all.