CTET 2026 Paper 2 Cancelled at Two Vaishali Centres Following Major Question Paper Delay
The Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) 2026 Paper 2 examination faced significant disruption on Saturday when it was cancelled at two examination centres in Bihar's Vaishali district. The cancellation occurred after candidates were forced to wait for more than one-and-a-half hours beyond the scheduled start time due to the delayed arrival of question papers.
Widespread Anger and Protests at Examination Centres
The examination at St John's Academy was supposed to commence at 9:30 AM, but the crucial question papers only reached the centre around 11:00 AM. This substantial delay triggered widespread anger and frustration among the waiting candidates. Several aspirants protested inside the premises, directly blaming the education department and district administration for what they called serious lapses in ensuring the timely delivery of examination materials.
As tempers flared, candidates walked out of the examination hall and staged demonstrations outside the centre, creating a brief period of chaos and confusion. Police personnel were promptly called to manage the escalating situation. Officers, including Sadar SDPO Gopal Mandal, reached the spot to pacify the agitating candidates and restore order to the premises.
Candidates Express Distress and Disappointment
According to multiple candidates present at the scene, the prolonged delay caused severe disruption and significant emotional distress. Many expressed that their hopes of appearing for this crucial eligibility test were completely dashed amid the confusion and uncertainty that prevailed at the centre. The CTET examination is a critical gateway for aspiring teachers across India, making such disruptions particularly devastating for candidates who had prepared extensively.
Official Confirmation and Response from Authorities
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh confirmed that similar complaints were received from two separate centres in the district:
- St John's Academy
- Lakshya International Academy in Mahua
Singh explained that the question papers, which had been dispatched from Patna by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the same day, arrived nearly an hour late at both locations. "I have spoken to the officials of CBSE in Delhi," Singh stated. "They have confirmed that the examination held today at these two centres is cancelled. A new date will be announced for the affected candidates."
CBSE Official Statement and Re-examination Assurance
The CBSE subsequently issued an official confirmation regarding the cancellation of CTET Paper 2 at the two affected centres in Vaishali (Hajipur), citing "unavoidable circumstances" as the reason. The board provided important context about the nationwide examination:
- Out of 1,803 examination centres across India, the test was conducted successfully at 1,801 locations
- Only the two centres in Vaishali district experienced this significant disruption
The board offered reassurance to affected candidates, stating that a re-examination would be conducted within the next 15 days. This quick response aims to minimize the impact on candidates' future plans and career aspirations.
Preventive Measures for Future Examinations
District Magistrate Varsha Singh emphasized that strict instructions have been issued to the local examination coordinator to ensure such lapses do not recur during the remaining examination schedule, including the next day's session. This preventive measure aims to restore confidence in the examination process and prevent similar incidents that could compromise the integrity of important national tests.
The incident highlights the critical importance of logistical precision in conducting large-scale national examinations like CTET, where timely delivery of materials directly impacts thousands of candidates' futures and aspirations.
