A major technical failure at the MD Infotech Center in Shyam Nagar, Kanpur, led to the abrupt cancellation of the Border Security Force (BSF) Head Constable Ministerial (HCM) and other recruitments online examination on Wednesday. The online test was ruined within minutes of starting as dozens of computer systems repeatedly crashed and shut down, leaving hundreds of aspirants stranded inside the exam halls. The persistent technical glitches sparked widespread outrage among the candidates, prompting over 500 test-takers to gather outside the venue and stage a fierce demonstration against the center administration. Following the chaotic disruption, exam authorities officially cancelled all three scheduled shifts for the day at this center and announced that a fresh examination for the affected candidates will be conducted on September 18, 2026.
Delayed Entry and Morning Rain Set off Initial Chaos
The administrative breakdown began early in the morning well before the examination officially commenced. According to the scheduled timetable, candidates appearing for the first shift were instructed to report at the exam center by 7:30 AM for biometric verification and entry procedures. However, center officials delayed opening the gates, and entry was finally granted around 8:30 AM, a full hour behind schedule. While waiting outside the gate for an extended period, candidates had to endure sudden heavy rain. Without adequate shelter, many aspirants were completely drenched, and at least three candidates reported that their printed admit cards were badly damaged by the rainwater. Although center authorities eventually allowed these candidates to enter after verifying their credentials, the delay and inconvenience created considerable anxiety before the test even began. Aspirants were subsequently escorted into the computer labs and seated at their respective workstations, with the exam finally getting underway at approximately 9:00 AM.
Computers Crashed Minutes into Test as Power Claims Raised Doubts
The relief of starting the examination was short-lived, as technical snags surfaced within 10 to 15 minutes of the test beginning. Around 9:10 AM to 9:15 AM, multiple computer terminals suddenly went blank and shut down without warning. While a few systems managed to reboot after a short delay, numerous screens remained dark for extended periods, halting the test for scores of candidates. The technical instability persisted throughout the session; at approximately 9:55 AM, nearly the entire system froze and remained shut down for about 20 minutes. Another major technical disruption struck the center at around 10:15 AM. Distressed aspirants repeatedly alerted the invigilators and center administrators about the failing computers, explaining that screens were repeatedly turning off and restarting automatically, making it impossible to answer questions or navigate the online test portal.
When aggrieved candidates confronted the center staff to demand an explanation for the recurring failures, officials claimed that the disruption was caused by a fault in the backup generator system. However, this explanation immediately triggered skepticism and anger among the test-takers. Candidates pointed out that while the computer systems were repeatedly failing and shutting down, the ceiling fans and lighting fixtures in the examination rooms continued to run without interruption. Candidates argued that if there were a genuine total power outage or generator failure, the fans and lights would also have stopped working. After roughly 40 minutes of continuous confusion and failure to restore the server and computer operations, center officials instructed all candidates to vacate the examination rooms and leave the premises, bringing the first shift to an abrupt and complete halt.
Candidates Traveling From Faraway Districts Demand Nearby Exam Centers
The abrupt cancellation caused severe distress among candidates who had traveled long distances from neighbouring districts and states to appear for the prestigious BSF recruitment exam. Shiv Prakash Kumar, a candidate who traveled all the way from Bhojpur district in Bihar, expressed deep frustration over the center's unpreparedness. He stated that candidates were forced to wait outside for an extended period before being ushered inside, only to face continuous technical breakdowns once the test started. Shiv Prakash Kumar noted that at least 70 to 80 candidates in his immediate vicinity experienced constant computer failures throughout the session. Highlighting the financial and physical toll of long-distance travel, he urged the examination authorities to conduct the re-examination as soon as possible and requested that affected candidates be allotted exam centers closer to their home districts so they would not have to undertake another arduous journey.
Similarly, Amarjeet Yadav, an aspirant who arrived from Gorakhpur, highlighted the series of administrative lapses encountered throughout the morning. He remarked that trouble was evident right from the entry gate, where candidate handling was poorly organized, leading to unnecessary delays. Amarjeet Yadav reiterated that within 10 to 15 minutes of entering their answers, computer monitors began shutting down automatically. Even after technicians attempted to reboot the terminals, the underlying technical glitch remained unresolved, rendering the examination process completely unviable and unfair to the candidates who had prepared for months.
Protests and Vandalism Outside Center Prompt September 18 Re-Test Announcement
As hundreds of frustrated candidates were pushed out of the exam halls, emotions boiled over outside the venue. Over 500 aspirants assembled in front of MD Infotech Center and raised slogans against the management, alleging gross negligence and lack of adequate infrastructure for a national-level competitive exam. Reports indicated that amidst the escalating protest and heated arguments, minor incidents of vandalism were also reported outside the center premises. Upon receiving frantic calls regarding the commotion, local police forces along with senior administrative officers rushed to Shyam Nagar. Police personnel intervened to control the crowd, establishing a security perimeter and attempting to calm the agitating candidates through dialogue.
To manage the crisis, center management and BSF exam coordinators issued an official notification confirming the cancellation of the examination conducted at MD Infotech Center (Center Code 25916) for Wednesday. The notice explicitly stated that the online examination across all three scheduled shifts stands cancelled for this venue. Furthermore, the authorities announced that a fresh examination for all affected candidates of this center has been scheduled for September 18, 2026. Aspirants have been advised to regularly monitor the official BSF recruitment portal for detailed instructions, updated call letters, and further operational guidelines regarding the upcoming re-test. Nevertheless, serious questions remain regarding how such a massive technical failure occurred simultaneously across multiple systems at a designated exam center, with candidates demanding a formal inquiry to prevent such disruptions in future examinations.
