DISPUR: The Assam government has announced the shutdown of internet services to curb malpractices during exams in the state. The decision will be made applicable for the recruitment examinations to nearly 27,000 Grade III and Grade IV government posts.

The internet services will be shut down for four hours. The exams are scheduled on August 21 and 28. Around 14 lakh candidates are expected to attend the exams.

According to government sources, internet will not be made available in the districts, where the exams are held. Candidates and invigilators are also prohibited from bringing mobile phones in the exam centres. The centre-in-charge in each examination centre has been directed to engage two videographers to shoot the examination process.

Ahead of the exams, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has held a meeting with the deputy commissioners and other officials of the state. There should be no problems in the conduct of the exams, said the chief minister.