Travel curbs disrupt exam candidates in NCR
Job aspirants faced significant hurdles reaching exam centres in the National Capital Region due to travel restrictions and security measures imposed over a protest.
The Cliff News | 11 October 2026
Candidates appearing for crucial recruitment examinations in the National Capital Region (NCR) have reported severe disruptions due to extensive travel curbs and a security clampdown. The restrictions were put in place to manage a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) concerning the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Clerk Prelims Exam and the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (SSC-CGL) exam were among those affected. While the examinations proceeded as scheduled, many candidates expressed immense frustration on social media regarding their ability to reach the designated examination centres.
Exam Disruption Amidst Security Measures
Candidates took to social media platforms to voice their concerns, highlighting issues such as the unexpected closure of Metro stations and cancellations of trains bound for New Delhi. These disruptions have raised fears of candidates missing vital examinations despite thorough preparation.
"IBPS has not cancelled the exam its we students who work hard suffer bcz of the political issues," stated one user on X. Another candidate wrote, "My IBPS Clerk exam is on 11th Oct in Gwalior. I live in Delhi. GOVT is cancelling train then how I will reach gwalior. My 1 year will be wasted."
A user identified only as "student" posted, "All trains from Jabalpur to Delhi have been cancelled due to CJP, putting students like me at risk of missing crucial examinations despite being fully prepared. Who will be accountable for the academic opportunities lost?"
Uncertainty for Upcoming Examinations
The immediate impact on the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam, held in multiple computer-based test (CBT) shifts over the weekend, and the SSC-CGL Tier 1 exam, conducted on Saturday as part of a month-long window, is still being assessed. However, the challenges faced by these candidates cast a shadow of uncertainty over a series of other important recruitment tests scheduled for later in October.
Several candidates are anticipating similar disruptions for upcoming examinations if the protesters attempt to reconvene at Jantar Mantar and authorities implement comparable security measures. The Railway Recruitment Board Section Controller Exam is scheduled for October 12 and 13. Following this, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority's Officer Grade A Exam is set for October 15.
Future Exam Schedule at Risk
The Delhi Subordinate Service Selection Board (DSSSB) is slated to commence its examinations from October 21 for various positions, including assistant section officer, patwari, and statistical clerks. Concluding the month, the Indian Overseas Bank Specialist Officer Exam is scheduled for October 31.
The current situation raises significant concerns about the logistical feasibility for candidates travelling to these centres, potentially jeopardizing the academic and career prospects of a large number of aspirants across the country.