Mining is associated with challenges against unpredictable forces of nature as conditions of workings keep changing with time. Instantaneous decisions to mitigate the risks and hazards associated with the work being performed are needed to be taken to ensure the safety of the workmen and property involved. Thus, prompt on-the-spot decision-making by the front-line supervisor and managerial executive is of paramount importance to prevent loss of life and property. Competency certificates are granted to eligible persons engaged in both Coal Mines and Metal Mines by the respective Board of Mining Examinations constituted by the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment under the Chairmanship of the Director General of Mines Safety.

Competency examinations are different from university examinations. In these examinations, stress is laid on practical aspects of managing/ supervising a mine/district apart from theoretical knowledge. In the years 2015 and 2016, Computer-based Manager’s (First and Second Class) examinations under the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 and the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 were introduced respectively to bring transparency in the conduct of online examinations. In the year 2021 Computer Based Test was extended for Gas Testing, Blaster’s, Mate’s, Sirdar’s, Overman’s / Foreman’s certificate and Surveyor’s examinations. This was appreciated by the mining community at large, viz. students’ community, academic institutions, research institutions, mining organizations etc.

Following are the highlights of the amendments brought about in the conduct of examinations for the grant of statutory competency certificates.
1. The Bye-laws for the conduct of examination under the Coal Mines Regulations 2017 & the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 have been comprehensively amended and notified in the Gazette of India vide Notification Nos. G.S.R. 555(E), G.S.R. 556(E),
G.S.R. 557(E), G.S.R. 558(E) and G.S.R. 559(E) Dhanbad, dated the 11th August, 2021 & vide Notification Nos. G.S.R. 560(E), G.S.R. 561(E), G.S.R. 562(E), G.S.R. 563(E),
G.S.R. 564(E), G.S.R. 565(E) and G.S.R. 566(E) Dhanbad, dated the 11th August, 2021, respectively.
2. The examination for grant of Manager’s Certificate of Competency under the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 & the Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961 shall consist of Computer Based Test (CBT) only and there shall be no oral examination for these certificates.

3. The examinations for grant of Overman’s, Foreman’s, Surveyor’s, Sirdar’s, Mining Mate’s, Blaster’s and Gas Testing competency certificates shall consist of Computer Based Test (CBT) only and there shall be no oral examination for these certificates.
 However, in the case of Mining Mate’s, Blaster’s and Gas Testing competency Certificate Examinations, a literate person (as provided under the regulations) who does not possess senior secondary or Intermediate qualification and who is not familiar with the use of computers, the option of examination by oral test has been provided. This has been done keeping in view the socio-economic and educational standards of applicants so as not to deprive them of equal opportunity.