Assam to Suspend Mobile Internet for 8 Hours on Sunday During Recruitment Exam

In a bid to prevent malpractice during the Grade III recruitment exams, mobile internet services across Assam will be suspended for eight hours this Sunday. This is the second time in September that such a measure is being enforced to maintain transparency in the examination process. The internet blackout will take place from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, according to an official release issued on Saturday by the State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) for Class-III Posts.

“All are requested to bear with the inconvenience in the interest of holding a free, fair, and transparent recruitment examination, ensuring the future of the youth in the state,” the release emphasized.

The first phase of the written exam was held on September 15, during which mobile internet was suspended for three-and-a-half hours. The upcoming exam, the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) for Grade III posts, will occur in two sessions on Sunday — the first from 9 AM to 12 noon, and the second from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Over 7 Lakh Candidates Expected to Appear

A total of 7,34,080 candidates are expected to sit for the exam across various centers throughout Assam. Despite the elaborate measures put in place to ensure transparency, authorities are concerned about the potential misuse of mobile applications by those attempting to cheat. The release also mentioned the possibility of anti-social elements spreading rumors or fake question papers through social media platforms, which could compromise the exam’s integrity.

“The suspension of mobile internet services is aimed at closing any potential loopholes that could undermine public confidence in the fairness of the recruitment process,” the release added.

Exam Guidelines and Security Measures

In preparation for the examination, admit cards with detailed instructions have been issued to all candidates. In addition, some revised guidelines were announced, particularly regarding security protocols. All candidates are required to report to their respective exam centers at least 90 minutes before the exam begins for thorough checking and frisking, as part of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The enhanced frisking measures come in response to allegations from several female candidates during the first phase of the exam, who claimed they were improperly frisked. To address this, candidates have been encouraged to immediately report any inappropriate incidents to the center-in-charge. For quicker frisking, authorities have recommended that candidates wear half-sleeve clothing and slippers instead of shoes.

Special Trains and Logistics

To facilitate candidates’ travel, Northeast Frontier Railway has arranged six pairs of special trains. A massive recruitment drive is currently underway in Assam, with over 18.50 lakh candidates having applied for various Grade III posts, while 13.70 lakh applicants have registered for Grade IV positions.

The ADRE for Grade IV posts will be conducted on separate dates, with further internet suspensions expected to accompany these exams.

The first ADRE exam under the State Level Recruitment Commission was held in August 2022, during which mobile internet services were suspended for four hours across almost all districts.

With stringent measures in place and the aim of ensuring a transparent recruitment process, the authorities in Assam are hopeful that this move will eliminate any possibilities of unfair practices during the exams.

Also, read: Assam Higher Secondary Education Council 83