Bhandara, September 23, 2026: The entrance examination conducted for VJNT, SARTHI and MAHAJYOTI in Bhandara was disrupted on Tuesday after a power failure at the examination centre. Electricity went off first during the biometric verification process and later again shortly after the online examination began. The repeated interruptions led to protests by candidates outside the examination centre. Following discussions between the administration and concerned officials, the affected examination has been scheduled to be conducted again on September 24, 2026.
Trouble During Biometric Verification
Around 125 candidates had reached the examination centre in Bhandara to appear for the online test. The biometric verification process was underway before the examination when the power supply suddenly went off.
Due to the outage, only some candidates were able to complete the login and biometric process, while the verification of several others remained incomplete. This created confusion at the centre even before the examination could begin.
Power Cut Again After Exam Started
After electricity was restored, the examination authorities proceeded with the online test. However, candidates had managed to answer only around five to six questions when the power supply failed again at approximately 5:50 PM.
Electricity was restored after around 15 minutes at 6:05 PM. The examination centre then attempted to resume the test, but candidates objected to continuing under the disrupted conditions.
Candidates Demand Fresh Examination
The candidates said that repeated power failures had affected both the examination time and the online testing process. They demanded that the examination be conducted afresh instead of continuing the interrupted test.
Many candidates had travelled from distant areas to appear for the examination in Bhandara. A significant number of female candidates were also among those present. Following the disruption, candidates gathered outside the centre and raised their concerns.
Police and Administration Reach the Centre
As the protest intensified, police officials reached the examination centre. DB Squad API Ashish Borkar, along with additional police personnel, spoke with the candidates and attempted to bring the situation under control.
Following this, Bhandara Tehsildar Makode held discussions with the concerned Social Welfare Department inspector. After discussions between the officials, candidates were informed that the affected examination would be conducted again.
Re-Examination on September 24
According to information provided by the authorities, the examination affected by the power disruption will now be conducted again on September 24, 2026. Candidates will have to appear for the examination on the newly scheduled date.
Following the announcement of the re-examination, the situation at the centre returned to normal. Candidates are now expected to appear for the test on September 24, with attention likely to remain on uninterrupted power and technical arrangements at the examination centre.