A state-wide government recruitment exam for Grade 3 posts in Assam on Sunday concluded “peacefully” amid tight security protocol and questions over the suspension of internet services during the duration of the examination.

Nearly 11,23,204 candidates took the test at 2,305 centres across the state for 3000-plus posts.

The state government had suspended mobile internet services across the state from 10am-1.30pm in the “interest” of holding a free, fair and transparent recruitment examination but internet services were not working or not functioning properly from around 9am, “giving a tough time” to those using app-based cab, food and banking services and those caught in emergency situation.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X to announce the smooth conduct of the examinations soon after the exam ended. The government had held several rounds of meetings to ensure the exam went off without a hitch, especially to ensure that there was no paper leak.

“The first ADRE (Assam Direct Recruitment Examination) exam has concluded peacefully. My deepest gratitude to all the officers and staff of the Assam Government who have successfully completed this monumental task without any issues. I once again assure our younger generation that transparency will remain our hallmark when it comes to government recruitment,” Sarma posted.

Though the strict arrangements were widely welcomed, the suspension of internet services has not gone down well with those dependent on internet services. Huge traffic jams were seen on the road and candidates had a tough time reaching exam centres, reports suggested.

In response to Sarma’s post, an X user, who identifies himself as Adweetiya Kumar, flagged how the suspension of the internet had affected his ailing friend.

“Respected sir, conducting exams is important but
there is a dire need for a better solution than network shutdown. Today one of our friends who met with an accident had an emergency which required arranging blood
but due to network shutdown it became a very tedious
process.”

Another X user asked, “Internet was suspended before given time.... Why?? could you explain sir? The candidate faced a problem reaching the centre because of the lack of internet access to book a bike/cab.”

Another user who goes by the name The Mendacious Guy, asked, “Any issue? Many candidates couldn’t attend today’s exam due to an early Internet cut, without google map how will it be possible to find the exam centre?”

Then there was Sheriff Zakaria who termed the Internet shutdown decision “as the worst decision”.

“NTA conducts NEET JEE exam without suspension of the network.... Because they use jammer in the examination hall.”