Kanpur: Computers shut down as soon as BSF recruitment exam began, sparking an uproar; re-exam to be held on this date..

BSF HCM Exam 2026: The online recruitment examination for several posts, including BSF Head Constable (Ministerial) or HCM, had to be cancelled in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday due to a major technical glitch. Shortly after the exam began, computer systems started shutting down repeatedly, preventing hundreds of candidates from completing the test. Agitated candidates staged a massive protest outside the exam center. The exam for all affected candidates at this center will now be reconducted on September 18, 2026.

**Incident at Kanpur's MD Infotech Center**
The incident occurred at the MD Infotech Center in Shyam Nagar, Kanpur, where the first, second, and third shifts of the BSF recruitment exam were scheduled to take place. However, the exam was halted after technical issues arose during the very first shift, and the entire day's examination was subsequently cancelled. Candidates across all three shifts were affected.

**Disarray at the Exam Center Since Morning**
According to the candidates, they were required to report to the center at 7:30 AM, but the entry process was delayed by nearly an hour. Meanwhile, it started raining, and a large number of candidates were left standing outside; many saw their admit cards get soaked in the rain. After a long wait, candidates were seated in the exam hall, and the online test commenced around 9:00 AM.

**Computers Started Shutting Down 10 Minutes into the Exam**
Shortly after the exam began, several computer systems suddenly shut down. While some systems came back online after a while, many remained non-functional for extended periods. Candidates reported that screens kept going blank and systems kept restarting during the exam, making it difficult to take the test. Some examinees stated that systems remained completely shut down for about 20 minutes. Even after that, the technical issues persisted, and computers began failing again. Many students' exams were interrupted midway.

**Staff Cited Generator Malfunction; Candidates Raised Questions**
When candidates asked the exam center staff about the cause of the problem, they were informed that there was a malfunction in the generator. Candidates questioned how the fans and other electrical systems in the exam hall were functioning if there was indeed a power issue. When the problem remained unresolved for about 40 minutes, all candidates were escorted out of the exam hall. Tensions subsequently escalated, and a large number of candidates gathered outside the center to protest.

**Over 500 candidates staged a protest**
Upon learning that the exam had been cancelled, more than 500 candidates gathered outside the center. They raised slogans against the examination arrangements and demanded that the exam be reconducted soon. Police and administrative officials arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. There were reports of vandalism at the exam center during the commotion, though the police managed to stabilize the situation upon arrival.

**Increased hardship for candidates arriving from afar**
Many candidates had traveled from other districts and states to take the exam in Kanpur. A candidate from Bhojpur, Bihar, stated that the exam could not take place despite the long journey undertaken. He mentioned that several computers were repeatedly shutting down, and dozens of candidates were simultaneously affected by technical issues. Meanwhile, another candidate from Gorakhpur reported persistent mismanagement from the entry process through to the start of the exam, noting that the entire test was disrupted by technical glitches.

**Candidates demand investigation and compensation**
The candidates demanded a thorough investigation into the technical glitches to ensure such issues do not recur in the future. They also requested that, if possible, they be allotted a nearby center for the re-examination to avoid the burden of another long journey and additional expenses.

**Re-examination scheduled for September 18, 2026**
The BSF recruitment exam held on Wednesday at the MD Infotech Center (Center Code 25916) has been officially cancelled. According to a notification issued by the exam management, the re-examination for the affected candidates from this center will be conducted on September 18, 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official BSF portal for the new admit card, exam timings, and other guidelines.

The biggest question remains
Following this entire incident, the most significant question is why such a large number of computer systems failed simultaneously at a single examination center. Candidates demand accountability and call for strengthening the technical infrastructure at online examination centers to ensure they do not face such difficulties during recruitment exams.

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