The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Odisha chapter, has formally urged the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to reopen the application portal for the OCS 2024 examination and other OPSC exams.
The student body cites widespread confusion among aspirants regarding the recently revised upper age limit and the number of attempts allowed, which led to many eligible candidates missing the application deadline.
In a letter addressed to the OPSC Chairman, Udit Pradhan, President of NSUI, Odisha, expressed gratitude for the Commission’s decision to increase the upper age limit for competitive examinations to 42 years, a long-standing demand of students and the NSUI.
However, Shri Pradhan highlighted a critical issue: “In the OCS 2024 exam cycle, many eligible aspirants could not apply due to confusion regarding the revised age limit and number of attempts. The notification and portal update did not clearly communicate these changes in a timely manner.”
The NSUI specifically pointed out the plight of candidates who are currently 42 years old, stating that for many, this could be their “only or last attempt after the revised age limit was introduced.” Denying them a chance to compete, the Student Union argues, “goes against the very intent of the age relaxation and raises serious concerns of fairness.”
The student organization has put forth three key demands to the OPSC:
- Reopen the OCS 2024 application portal to accommodate all eligible candidates, particularly those affected by the age and attempt confusion.
- Reopen applications for other OPSC examinations where similar procedural ambiguities may have prevented aspirants from applying.
- Ensure that the selection process is based purely on merit, guaranteeing that no eligible candidate is excluded due to unclear procedures.
“We trust that OPSC, as a fair and responsible institution, will take immediate steps to correct this issue and give all deserving candidates a fair chance to compete,” Shri Pradhan stated in the letter, emphasizing the NSUI’s expectation of positive and prompt action from the Commission.
The NSUI’s appeal underscores the need for clear and timely communication from examination bodies, especially when significant policy changes impacting eligibility are introduced. Thousands of aspirants across Odisha are keenly awaiting the OPSC’s response to this pressing matter.