Leh, Feb 10: In a significant move, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has granted approval for the establishment of an examination centre for UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) exam in Kargil. This will facilitate candidates from the region to appear for the Civil Services Preliminary examination 2024, closer to their place of residence.

UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) examination including Indian Forest Service (Preliminary), National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination and Combined Defence Services Examination shall now be conducted at two centres in Ladakh, one each at Leh and Kargil. UPSC, communicated this decision through a letter dated February 9, 2024.

UPSC shall also be conducting the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam in Leh and Kargil providing candidates in Ladakh with convenient access to appear for the this examination.

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As per UPSC, over 480 candidates are expected to apply for the Civil Services (P) exam in May this year in Kargil.

The Department of Higher Education, UT of Ladakh had taken up with UPSC and National Testing Agency for having centres for major national level exams in Ladakh to facilitate students. Ladakh Administration had received representation from individuals, students groups and organizations in this regard.

While Civil Services (P) exams have been held in the Leh centre since 2021 by the UPSC, the CUET exams by National Testing Agency, NTA were held in Leh and Kargil for the first time in 2023. Now examinations for JEE, NIFT, UGC NET besides CUET 2024 are being conducted by NTA in Leh and Kargil centres.