This state government recruitment exam goes viral: From cartoon question to statewide internet shutdown

This past Sunday, Assam came to a complete standstill as the state government conducted a highly anticipated recruitment test for Grade III and IV posts. In an unusual move, mobile internet services were shut down across the state until 4:30 PM. But what has really captured everyone's attention isn't just the internet blackout for an exam ¡ª it's a particular question in the exam that has sparked major controversy, going viral for all the wrong reasons.

Check out a viral video here:

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In a viral video, content creator Abhinav Borah humorously shares a memory from his childhood, recalling how his mother used to scold him for watching cartoons like Doraemon.

She would often say, sarcastically, "Keep watching cartoons, someday they'll ask about them in your exams!"

Fast forward to the present, and Borah amusingly points to the question paper from Assam's government's recruitment test, which actually featured the question: "Who or what is Doraemon?"

The multiple-choice options offered were: "A river in Brazil, a Hollywood actor, a type of aircraft, or a cartoon character."

In the comments section, one person quipped, "Doraemon is an emotion," while another raised a valid point: "We know the answer, so it's fine, but is it really appropriate to ask questions about TV shows? What about people who have no interest in TV? Should they start learning about cartoons instead of studying?"

What is Assam's ADRE exam?

The second phase of the Assam Direct Recruitment Exam (ADRE) for Grade III and Grade IV posts was held this past Sunday, following the first phase of the written exam for Grade III on September 15.

Both exam days were marked by controversy, as mobile internet services were suspended from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, sparking debates across the state.

Credit: Rom Hampson/ Unsplash

Authorities justified the internet blackout, stating it was a precaution to ensure a completely fair and transparent recruitment process, preventing any potential loopholes that could raise doubts about the exam¡¯s integrity.

However, the exam has also faced serious allegations of improper frisking during the first phase, with several female candidates accusing security personnel of inappropriate physical contact.

To address these concerns, the second phase saw stricter protocols, with candidates required to arrive at least an hour and a half early for thorough checks under a new standard operating procedure (SOP).

In total, around 18.50 lakh candidates applied for Grade III posts and 13.70 lakh for Grade IV, underscoring the scale of this highly competitive recruitment.

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