In a significant lapse during the All India Ayush Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET), 49 candidates in Jaipur were unable to complete their examinations due to a sudden power failure. The incident occurred at the Satya Sai PG College in Transport Nagar, where 192 candidates were appearing for the crucial entrance test.

Allegations of Malpractice and Student Protests

The disruption lasted for about 20 minutes, during which several computer systems malfunctioned. Beyond the technical failure, the situation turned volatile as students alleged that the power outage provided a window for malpractice. Candidates claimed that some individuals attempted to communicate and copy during the darkness, allegedly in the presence of the centre observer who failed to intervene effectively.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such systemic failures in high-stakes examinations undermine the meritocratic foundation of the national testing process. When technical infrastructure fails, it doesn't just delay an exam; it creates psychological distress and inequality among candidates who may have been better prepared for such contingencies.

The lack of robust power backup in high-stakes examination centers is a critical vulnerability that NTA must address immediately.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially held Eduquity Career Technologies Private Limited, the agency responsible for conducting the test at the centre, accountable for the outage. According to the NTA, while 35,788 candidates across the country completed their exams successfully, this specific center failed to meet the required standards.

Historical Background: The Evolution of NTA

The National Testing Agency was established to conduct entrance examinations for various professional courses in a standardized and transparent manner. However, recent years have seen heightened scrutiny over NTA's management, following controversies surrounding the NEET-UG examinations. This Jaipur incident adds to the growing demand for more stringent oversight of private agencies contracted by the government for exam administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When and where will the re-test be held?
Answer: The re-examination is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at the Rajasthan College of Engineering for Women in Jaipur.

Question 2: Why was the power failure blamed on the agency?
Answer: The NTA stated that the agency conducting the test, Eduquity Career Technologies, was responsible for the failure to maintain power and backup systems.