With preliminary examination (PE) only two days away, the civil service exam division of the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) is all geared up for the exams amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The exams this year will be conducted with health and safety measures in place.
This year, over 4,700 graduates from various universities have registered for the PE. This according to the RCSC in fact is an increase of 32 per cent from last year and the highest number so far. This is one time in a year where a huge number of young people gather together.
Usually, PE is conducted in the month of August. However, with the COVID situation, the RCSC announced the date of exam for 8th of this month. The commission has a dedicated team for COVID-19 safety protocol for each examination centre.
“In order to conduct the exam, we have sought guidance for health and safety measures from the health ministry. We have thoroughly briefed different schools about it. During the exam, the invigilator and those appearing exams will have to use masks. Secondly, we have enough handwashing facilities,” said Jigme Norbu, the Officiating Chief HRO for the Civil Service Exam Division with the RCSC.
He also said physical distancing will be maintained among the candidates and their temperature monitored.
The commission this year has identified two districts, Monggar and Thimphu for the exam. But only 200 graduates have registered to appear their exam in Monggar.
“As per health and safety protocols, it is to minimise crowding of people and secondly in order to ease the process. They have to come all the way to Thimphu to appear the exam,” he added.
The exam as per the commission is important to employ graduates and also to find a reliable human resource for the government’s initiative and developmental activities.
Samten Dolkar