More than 59,000 hopefuls arrived at examination centres across Chandigarh and Panchkula on Saturday as the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) kicked off its highly anticipated Common Entrance Test (CET) for Group C posts.
The competitive exam, which spans two days and will see close to 13.7 lakh candidates appearing across Haryana and Chandigarh, was held in two shifts on Day 1 — the morning session from 10 am to 11:45 am, and the afternoon slot from 3 pm to 4:45 pm.
Panchkula Ensures Smooth Operations Amid Restrictions
In Panchkula, the CET unfolded seamlessly across 44 designated centres. Local authorities had implemented strict guidelines to maintain order, including the closure of all photocopy shops for the day. While a few establishments that serve dual purposes were spotted open, none were offering photocopying services, in compliance with the district administration’s directives. Coaching centres across the region also remained shut.
#WATCH |Candidates arrive for HSSC CET (Common Eligibility Test). Visuals from outside an examination centre in Chandigarh
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2025
This year, around 13.48 lakh candidates are eligible to appear for this exam. The exam will be conducted at 834 centres across the state of Haryana. pic.twitter.com/YMFe7MdMa3
Security was visibly heightened, with police maintaining a vigilant presence outside exam venues. Vehicles were stationed strategically to manage crowds and maintain order. The district administration had arranged for buses to shuttle candidates from the main bus stand to various centres within the city. Several private school buses were also brought into service, with many stationed at the Sector-5 bus terminal.
Of the 21,488 candidates allotted to Panchkula centres for Saturday’s exam, 19,759 were present — a strong turnout reflecting the competitive spirit among aspirants.
Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta personally visited multiple centres during both exam sessions, confirming that the day proceeded peacefully and without incident.
Heavy Turnout in Chandigarh, But Traffic Troubles Persist
Chandigarh also saw a significant turnout, with approximately 40,000 out of 75,000 registered candidates appearing for the test at 153 centres spread across the city.
Despite careful planning — including the deployment of 1,000 Haryana Roadways shuttle buses, pre-set help desks, and issued traffic advisories — the city grappled with severe congestion. Key routes were paralyzed by long snarls, particularly near exam centres.
Traffic bottlenecks were reported from Tribune Chowk to Zirakpur, CTU Workshop through Sector 28/26 traffic lights, and Gurdwara Chowk. Southern sectors of Chandigarh experienced extended delays, with vehicles crawling for up to 40 minutes in some areas. Roads between Vikas Nagar and Hallomajra light points, as well as the Kalagram stretch towards the railway station, were also gridlocked, adding to the frustration of both candidates and commuters.
One of the worst-hit spots was in front of the Dadumajra dumping yard, where exam-takers were trapped in a jam lasting nearly 40 minutes, leading to widespread complaints of mismanagement.
Precautionary Measures Continue on Sunday
With Day 2 of the CET scheduled for Sunday, authorities have extended restrictions. Coaching institutes and photocopy shops in Panchkula will remain closed, and Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita — prohibiting unlawful gatherings — will continue to be enforced around all examination centres to ensure security and smooth conduct.
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