More than 20,000 candidates appeared for the Combined Civil Services Examinations held in various centres here on Sunday. As many as 10,275 failed to appear.

According to release, around 31,400 people had applied. As many as 110 centres were set up in 66 schools and colleges. However, only 21,125 candidates appeared for the exams.

District Collector Archana Patnaik inspected one of the centres at Presentation Convent Higher Secondary Schools near Head Post Office and checked the arrangements.

While the State Government had deployed 110 invigilators, nine flying squads under the Deputy Collector and 28 mobile coordinating units were also deployed to avoid malpractices.

Special buses were also arranged to help candidates reach the venues in time. The examination was held for three hours between 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m.