Two-day CET concludes amid large-scale transport, police arrangements

The Common Eligibility Test (CET-2025), conducted by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), concluded smoothly in Panchkula and Chandigarh today. With large-scale transport arrangements and dedicated services for differently-abled and vulnerable candidates, the two-day exam set a benchmark in logistical and administrative coordination.

Thousands of candidates took the CET-2025 exam across 44 centres in Panchkula and 153 centres in Chandigarh, where stringent security measures and well-planned transport and logistical support contributed to a smooth conduct of the examination. In Chandigarh, around 37,000 candidates appeared for the test in each shift. In Panchkula, around 10,507 candidates were scheduled per shift, bringing the total number of examinees taking the test in two days to 42,028.

On Sunday, 46 buses were pressed into service in Panchkula district to transport candidates to Yamunanagar. These buses originated from six locations: Kalka, Pinjore, Morni, Panchkula city, Barwala, and Raipur Rani. Meanwhile, 256 buses carrying candidates from Karnal and Kaithal districts reached Panchkula — 80 from Karnal and 45 from Kaithal for the first shift, followed by 81 from Karnal and 50 from Kaithal for the second.

In Panchkula, 525 police personnel were stationed at 44 centres. In Chandigarh, CET centres witnessed equally well-managed arrangements. The examination authorities coordinated with Panchkula officials, particularly to accommodate 53 differently-abled candidates from Panchkula whose exam centres were in Chandigarh.

Special government vehicles picked them up from their homes and ensured a safe return. Beneficiaries, including candidates from Sector 20, Sector 23, and Abdulpur Colony in Pinjore, expressed gratitude for the inclusive efforts. Mother of Akash Prashar, a differently-abled candidate, shared, “I reside in Sector 20 Panchkula and my son had been assigned the GMSS-Sarangpur centre near Botanical Garden for CET. The Panchkula administration provided him pick and drop facility.”

Panchkula SDM Chandrakant Kataria drove an injured female candidate and a pregnant woman to their centres in his official vehicle, and ensured their safe return after the exam.

However, the time between 12 noon and 1 pm, following the conclusion of the first shift, witnessed traffic snarls at multiple locations due to a combination of examination-related shuttle buses and sudden rainfall. Roads near Kisan Bhawan, Housing Board and several key traffic signals saw heavy traffic. Waterlogging was also reported near the Khuda Lahora–PGI Road stretch. Additionally, candidates who arrived in private vehicles faced difficulties accessing examination centres during the rain, as a 300-metre radius around each centre was designated a no-vehicle zone.

Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta confirmed that no untoward incidents or unfair practices were reported.