By Rabecca Hijam
IMPHAL, October 11: After a gap of almost three years, the Manipur Public Service Commission will be conducting the Manipur Combined Competitive Exam on October 13.
The last exam was held in 2010. Sources said the gap was because of no post vacancy in different departments.
Altogether 18,334 candidates will appear in 43 centres in Imphal East and Imphal West districts identified by the MPSC for the examination which will be conducted from 10am till 1pm.
The vacant posts include 22 posts of Manipur Civil Services, 25 posts Manipur Police Services; 28 posts of Manipur Finance Services Grade III, 15 posts of Sub Deputy Collector and one post of Election Officer.
Meanwhile, two posts have been reserved for differently abled persons category.
According to Deputy Secretary, MPSC, Lalkholen Singson 18,334 forms have been submitted this year as compared to 8479 candidates who sat for the exam in 2010.
The number of candidates appearing for the exam could however be different. Out of around 14000 forms being submitted in 2010 only 8479 had sat for the prelims.
There were altogether 138 vacant posts in 2010 while the vacant posts this year is only 93.
When asked if he had any advice for job seekers of the state, Lalkholen Singson said if the students are hard-working enough than one can sit for and be successful in all other competitive exams including those conducted by the UPSC, SSC, banks, etc.
Meanwhile, one of the candidates who had come to collect his admit card said he has been toiling for around 13 hours a day and expressed hope to be successful.
Another candidate said, candidates should not be afraid of the MPSC exam but should be fully prepared.
On the issue of corruption, one of the candidates said corruption has bogged down the state, but since the MPSC conducted civil services exam is concerned with the administration of the entire state, he hoped there will be no corruption and that the best candidates will be selected on a merit basis.
Another candidate who had also come to get his admit card said it is just a competitive exam and one need not be afraid if one put in full efforts. He however, expressed his apprehension that there might be some corruption in the later stages of the three-tier exam.
Many other candidates also pledged not to use corrupt means to get through even if provided the chance.
It may be mentioned that the state cabinet had earlier this year decided that the MPSC conducted Manipur Combined Competitive Exam will be held every year from this year onwards.