Jharkhand has tightened security and administrative arrangements for the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET), scheduled on November 1 across 986 centres for more than 5.65 lakh candidates. The examination, being held after a decade-long gap, will be conducted under enhanced surveillance and restrictions intended to prevent malpractice and question-paper leaks.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar reviewed preparations with deputy commissioners, senior superintendents of police and superintendents of police on Thursday, directing officials to enforce strict security protocols. The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), which is organising the test, said logistical and security arrangements had been completed.
JAC Chairman Natwa Hansdak said officials had been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and appealed to candidates and the public to cooperate with the administration. He said the examination was important for the recruitment of teachers and for improving the state’s education system.
The test will be held in two shifts. The first shift is scheduled from 9:30 am to noon, while the second will run from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Entry and exit points at examination centres will be monitored, and candidates will undergo mandatory multi-layer frisking.
CCTV systems will be operational at every centre. The opening of question-paper packets and other critical procedures will be videographed, according to the arrangements reviewed by the state administration. Candidates have been barred from carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, calculators and other electronic gadgets into the venues.
Bags, purses, scarves and belts will also not be permitted inside the examination centres. Authorities have warned that candidates attempting to use unfair means will face immediate criminal prosecution.
Ranchi has 101 examination centres. Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has ordered the deployment of dedicated magistrates and police personnel across the city’s centres. Prohibitory orders restricting unauthorised gatherings within a 200-metre radius of each centre will remain in force from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm on November 1.
Similar prohibitory orders and enhanced monitoring have been announced in Dhanbad, Deoghar, Ramgarh, Simdega, Koderma, Godda, Bokaro and Palamu. The measures come amid wider concerns over examination malpractice and paper leaks in recruitment and competitive examinations.
The JTET is being conducted after a 10-year interval, making the arrangements significant for candidates seeking eligibility for teacher recruitment in the state. District administrations and police authorities are expected to maintain the restrictions, monitor centre access and oversee the examination process throughout both shifts on November 1.
