Sources in the Union Public Service Commission that conducts the examination say that any change in dates could upset the scheduled training.
The recent floods in Chennai could scuttle the chances of a bright future for aspirants preparing for the prestigious Indian Administrative Services. The unprecedented rains and flooding had crippled the city for weeks making power, internet, food and water hard to come by.
The civil services' main examination is due to start on Friday. But students at the state government's IAS Coaching Centre in Chennai say the crucial last two weeks before the exams turned traumatic for them. Many like Navaneedan, an engineer from Cuddalore, couldn't concentrate on their studies, and want the exams postponed by at least two weeks.
"The most intensive preparation period is lost, the last 15 to 20 days. Because this is the period we recollect all those things we studied over the last one year," said another civil services aspirant Sathish (name changed).
There is also some political pressure backing the students plea. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has written to the Prime Minister asking for a postponement of the exam by two months.
Urban Development Minister Mr Venkiah Naidu who met Ms Jayalalithaa on Sunday said, "I will take up the matter to the concerned Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. Some of the MPs also spoke to me, I will take up the issue as the earliest."
But sources in the Union Public Service Commission that conducts the examination say that any change of dates could upset the scheduled training of those who cracked the civil services exam last year and the selection schedule next year.
Tamil Nadu's share of candidates in civil services has been on the decline over the last few decades; from around 25 per cent in the 80's to 2011 last year. With the state government coaching aspirants there's also worry that the recent floods could further dent its prospects.