§ 243-c. Application period for civil service examinations for military personnel. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a person serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States during the filing period for a civil service examination, or a person who has been discharged therefrom with other than a dishonorable discharge after the filing period for a civil service examination has commenced, shall be permitted to file an application for such examination no later than ten business days prior to the scheduled date of such examination or the last date to file for such examination, whichever is later, and if qualified shall be provided with an opportunity to compete in such examination under terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the state department of civil service or municipal commission.