UPSC 2021 Prelims and Mains Date Updates: A Guide for Aspirants

As of now, the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (IAS Prelims) is scheduled for June 27, 2021, while the Mains are set to take place from September 17, 2021, spanning five days. It's important to stay updated with the latest information and ensure alignment with the UPSC calendar.

Recent Updates and Changes

Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in various parts of the country, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a postponement of the Civil Services preliminary exam, originally scheduled for June 27. The new date for the preliminary examination has been set for October 10, 2021. This change was officially communicated through a notification on the UPSC website.

Latest Exam Dates

The table below summarizes the updated exam dates:

EventDate IAS Prelims Exam 202110 October 2021 IAS Prelims 2021 ResultTentative: July 2021 IAS Main admit cardTentative: 27 August 2021 IAS Main Exam 202117 September 2021

Why the Change?

The decision to postpone the IAS Prelims was primarily due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in several major cities such as Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai. The spread of the virus has significantly impacted the travel, accommodation, and study environments for aspirants. The Union Public Service Commission aims to ensure the safety and health of all candidates while maintaining fair and transparent examination processes.

Impact of the Change on Aspirants

The postponement of the exam provides a window for aspirants to prepare adequately and manage other life challenges brought about by the pandemic. Here are a few key impacts:

Travel and Accommodation: With train services and limited bus services, aspirants may find it difficult to travel to urban centers and stay in accommodations. However, with the new date, candidates can plan their travel and stay in advance. Study Environment: Many coaching institutes and Covid-19-related restrictions have disrupted regular study schedules. The extended preparation time can be utilized for further revisions, practice tests, and mock exams. Health and Safety: The new dates allow aspirants to prepare under conditions that are less likely to expose them to Covid-19. This is crucial for candidates who are preparing during their last attempt or for future examination attempts.

Expert Insights

Leading IAS mentor Amit Sir and experts from Plutus IAS recommend that aspirants should continue with their studies without getting distracted by fake news. They emphasize that despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, the probability of any further changes to the exam dates is minimal.

To stay informed and organized, aspiring civil servants should:

Regularly check the UPSC official website for any updates. Utilize study materials and resources from reliable sources. Plan your study schedule based on the updated dates. Stay connected with aspirants groups and forums for additional support.

Conclusion

While the postponement of UPSC 2021 prelims may cause initial anxiety, it provides an opportunity for aspirants to prepare more effectively under safer and more controlled conditions. Staying updated, proactive, and focused on studies is key to success in the examination.

For any further queries or clarifications, kindly refer to the UPSC calendar and official notifications.