Assam Concludes Recruitment Exams Amid High Security, Statewide Internet Shutdown

The State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) successfully concluded the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) for Grade IV posts on October 27. Conducted in three phases, the examination witnessed an extensive turnout and strict security protocols, including an eight-hour statewide internet shutdown, were implemented to ensure fairness and transparency. The move, which saw mobile internet, WiFi and mobile data services suspended, was described by officials as essential for preventing potential law and order disruptions and safeguarding the examination’s integrity.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that results will be announced by February 2025. The Chief Minister added that following the results, candidates will undergo viva and skill tests before the final appointment letters are distributed on May 10, 2025.

The large-scale examination saw over 8.27 lakh candidates eligible for HSLC-level posts, conducted in 1,484 centers during the first shift from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. For posts requiring a minimum Class 8 qualification, 5.52 lakh candidates were eligible to appear in the second shift from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, across 808 centers. The entire process was reported to be incident-free due to comprehensive security measures in all examination centers across Assam’s 28 districts.

To accommodate the extensive candidate participation, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) operated five pairs of special trains, enabling easier access for candidates to the examination centers across the state. These special trains ran one trip in each direction, offering candidates a convenient and secure way to reach their exam centers.

The SLRC previously held recruitment exams for Grade III posts on September 15 and 29, during which mobile internet services were also suspended. This is part of a continuing effort by the Assam government to uphold the examination’s standards by ensuring a disturbance-free environment. Nearly 18.5 lakh candidates applied for various Grade III posts, while around 13.7 lakh applied for Grade IV positions.

The extensive internet shutdown strategy has been applied on multiple occasions since August 2022, aiming to protect the examination process’s credibility. The large-scale recruitment drive, ultimately designed to fill 5,023 government posts, highlights the Assam government’s focus on fair employment opportunities and meticulous administrative processes in a high-stakes competitive landscape.