Repeated disruption at Sitapura test centre
Jaipur: A power failure at the ION Digital Zone (IDZ), Sitapura, on Monday forced the cancellation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) common recruitment re‑test scheduled at the venue, the second high‑profile examination in as many days to be affected at the same centre.
The re‑test, earmarked for candidates whose original exam was cancelled in July over alleged out‑of‑syllabus questions, began around 9 am but was repeatedly disrupted by system shutdowns after a delayed start. Following disturbances at the centre and protests by candidates, the test could not be continued and was called off for that particular shift.
AIIMS sets new date, issues instructions
In an official statement, AIIMS, Delhi, said the cancelled examination at the Sitapura centre will be reconducted on 7 September for candidates affected by the disruption. The institute added that revised admit cards will be issued through the examination portal.
"The examination scheduled on Aug 31 in the morning shift at ION Digital Zone IDZ Sitapura, Jaipur, was initially interrupted due to an unforeseen power failure beyond the control of the examination authorities," the AIIMS statement said.
AIIMS said the power supply was restored subsequently and the centre was prepared for resumption, but "(it) could not be continued due to the circumstances that developed at the centre." After reviewing the matter, the competent authority decided to reconduct the examination only for the said centre, the statement added.
Candidates protest, demand refunds and closure of facility
Several students gathered outside the venue after the cancellation, protesting the repeated disruptions and demanding a refund of examination fees as well as permanent closure of the facility for future tests. Candidates reported that the exam had started about half an hour late and experienced multiple system shutdowns during the session.
- Location: ION Digital Zone (IDZ), Sitapura, Jaipur
- Incident: Power outage and system shutdowns disrupting AIIMS recruitment re‑test
- Re‑exam date: 7 September (for affected candidates)
- Admit cards: Revised admit cards to be issued via AIIMS examination portal
Local implications and concerns
The disruption follows a similar cancellation the previous day when the NEET‑PG examination at the same centre was called off after power problems. Repeated failures at a single centre raise questions about infrastructure readiness and contingency planning for high‑stakes computer‑based tests in Jaipur's industrial corridors.
For students preparing for competitive exams, such cancellations can cause immediate logistical, emotional and financial strain. Many candidates travel long distances and incur expenses for accommodation and local transport; a sudden cancellation can amplify stress and uncertainty, particularly when rescheduling affects academic or employment timelines.
Timeline of related incidents
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Original AIIMS examination cancelled (out‑of‑syllabus concerns) | Last week of July |
| NEET‑PG cancelled at same Sitapura centre due to power issues | Day before Aug 31 |
| AIIMS recruitment re‑test cancelled at Sitapura | 31 August |
| Re‑examination scheduled by AIIMS for affected candidates | 7 September |
AIIMS has assured affected candidates that only those scheduled at the impacted centre and shift will be eligible for the re‑examination. The institute has asked candidates to check the examination portal for revised admit cards and further instructions.
Local education stakeholders and testing agencies will be watching how authorities strengthen power backups and on‑site contingency measures at major test venues across Jaipur. For now, candidates left stranded on Monday seek clarity on compensation of expenses and assurances that such disruptions will not repeat.
Reporting for Jaipur from the heart of Rajasthan's bustling educational districts, this incident underscores the fragility of computer‑based testing infrastructure and the pressing need for robust preparedness at city test centres.
