The disruption coincided with the government-organised Kashmir Marathon 3.0, which slowed traffic movement along the route connecting several examination centres, including the University of Kashmir and other designated colleges.

Candidates expressed concern as the reporting deadline approached, saying heavy traffic had left them stranded despite having started their journeys in advance.

Amid the situation, the University of Kashmir rescheduled the examination from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm to provide additional time for candidates to reach their centres. However, several aspirants said the revised timing offered limited relief, as many remained stuck in traffic with little time left to reach their destinations.

Students also reported a shortage of public transport along the affected stretch. Those travelling in private vehicles faced similar difficulties due to congestion at multiple locations.

Although the university had arranged vehicles to assist candidates, some students said the available transport was inadequate to meet the demand, leaving several aspirants struggling to find alternative means of reaching their examination centres.

The candidates appealed to the authorities to facilitate their movement and ensure that students who had departed on time were not disadvantaged by traffic disruptions beyond their control.