New Delhi, June 5 (IANS): The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday issued the revised programme of examinations and recruitment tests, shifting the Civil Services Exam 2020 (prelims) to October 4 and the main exam to January 8, 2021.

The revised schedule, however, says that the dates of notification, commencement and duration of examinations or recruitment tests "are liable to alteration, if the circumstances so warrant".

It also said that the personality tests for Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2019 for remaining candidates are being resumed from July 20. "Candidates will be informed individually."

In the Revised Annual Calendar, at least 21 exams have been listed, including Indian Economic Service Exam and the Statistical Service Exam which will be conducted on October 16.

Similarly, the N.D.A. and N.A. exam will be held on September 6.

The Combined Medical Services Examination will be held on October 22 and the C.D.S exam (II) will be conducted on November 8.A Similarly, the Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination will be held on December 20.

On May 20, the UPSC held a special meeting to review the situation after the third phase of the nation-wide restrictions.

"Taking notice of the extension of several restrictions, the Commission decided that it will not be possible to resume examinations and interviews, for the present."

On Friday, it again reviewed the situation.

With a view to giving some clarity to candidates of various examinations and interviews, which have been deferred over the last two months, the Commission again held a meeting to issue a revised schedule of examinations.

The details of the new calendar of examinations are published on the UPSC website.

Every year, lakhs of students enroll for the UPSC exams.

All the exams across the country were postponed due to nationwide lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus.