JSU demands temporary shutdown of internet during job examination

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 18, 2025

The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has demanded the government to adopt stringent measures including temporary shutdown of internet to ensure free and fair conduct of government job examinations.

According to them, complaints have been received from various sources alleging incidents of cheating and malpractices taken place during examination in some places through the use of mobile phones.

In a letter to the deputy chief minister in-charge home Prestone Tynsong, the JSU said, “We strongly believe that implementing an internet shutdown for a limited period during examination hours can curb at least 50–60% of cheating activities that rely on online communication.”

“Especially, in this era of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI tools can be misused by candidates to cheat during exams. With the help of smartphones, smartwatches, or hidden devices, candidates can easily access AI-based apps or chatbots that provide accurate answers instantly,” it said adding “AI systems are capable of understanding and responding to complex questions with high accuracy. This creates an unfair advantage and undermines the credibility of the examination process.”

Emphasizing the need for strict frisking and monitoring at exam centres, the union said the strict search procedure at the entrance gates and within the exam halls must be enforced to detect and prevent the use of unauthorized materials or devices.

It further stressed that installing CCTV cameras in every examination hall will act as a deterrent to malpractice and will help ensure accountability and transparency throughout the process.

“To further enhance public trust in the recruitment system, we recommend that CCTV cameras also be installed during interview rounds. This step would bring greater transparency and reduce any chances of unfair practices or biases,” the union stated.

“We believe that if the government takes these security measures seriously and implements them effectively, it will greatly benefit sincere and hardworking job aspirants across the state. It will also help in restoring faith among the youth and the general public in the recruitment system and in the functioning of the government,” it added further.