Authorities step up security, heat safeguards ahead of UPSC exam

Vijayawada: Authorities have stepped up arrangements for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services preliminary examination scheduled on May 24, with a focus on security, candidate facilitation and heat-related precautions amid prevailing summer conditions.Officials said preparations are being put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the highly competitive examination, with coordination among departments including revenue, police, health, transport, municipal and power utilities.In Vijayawada alone, 10,119 candidates are expected to appear across 23 examination centres. Authorities said candidates should reach centres well in advance, noting that entry into examination halls would not be permitted after the stipulated reporting time.The preliminary examination will be conducted in two sessions, Paper I from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and Paper II from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Officials said mobile phones, electronic gadgets and other prohibited items would not be allowed inside examination centres. Venue supervisors, invigilators and inspection teams have been deployed to oversee the conduct of the examination and ensure compliance with UPSC guidelines.Given the summer conditions, authorities said arrangements including drinking water and medical support are being planned at centres, while uninterrupted power supply and logistical coordination are also being prioritised.Senior officials stressed that examination protocols and security norms should be implemented strictly to ensure smooth, transparent and incident-free conduct of the examination.