I have no doubt that prelims would be conducted on 4th Oct , govt has accepted that coronavirus is going to stay and there is no point in delaying things , I appeared for interview and medical examination and sharing some experience (RML hospital) :
1) During our medical examination there was no separate arrangement for UPSC students , we were not provided with even masks or face-shields had to get one our own
2) No social distancing / nothing made to ensure that you stay away from covid+ people infact someone thought I am a doctor and was showing his covid+ result to me !
For those who are thinking what will happen if we contract covid during pre , just think the magnitude of risk dopt and upsc have allowed for students who appeared for interview and for pre 2020 upsc has even allowed change in centres!
Dont compare it with JEE/NEET those are exams for 17/18 year olds UPSC exams are for adults who are required to understand what is physical distancing and how to follow , with proper social distancing , centre change and safety measures exams will be conducted , if you are scared feel free to be absent on the day of exam (this is what dopt will say) . So buckle up and keep preparing !
PS: I am also very much afraid of giving exams/interview/medical in current time and a slight discomfort in chest/cough alarms me , I am just hoping I have not been infected
- at UPSC bhawan the preparations were good , we were provided a kit with mask and gloves , social distancing followed , only for checking your face they asked us to remove masks
- I am pretty sure UPSC would make similar levels of preparations for pre as well and would conduct on 4th oct , some panel members are asking candidates to remove mask and speak so even they are not afraid now
- Only for candidates whose interview was done in march but no medical was done are allowed (150 odd) rest 630 have to undergo medical in delhi hospitals which are covid designated
Key idea is upsc aspirants are matured enough to understand the risk and follow instructions so take precautions and proceed