In the northern pocket of Secunderabad, away from the crowded IT corridors of Hyderabad’s western districts, sits a building that students across Telangana have come to know well. Ananda Rao Plaza on Loyola College Road, Old Alwal. The iON Digital Zone here quietly handles some of the most consequential exams in candidates’ lives — banking recruitment, SSC tests, railway exams, and more — and it does so out of a building that most outsiders would not notice on a casual drive past.
If your admit card has directed you here, this guide tells you everything you need before exam day.
| Detail | Information |
| Centre Name | iON Digital Zone iDZ Old Alwal |
| Full Address | Door No. 1-5-909/1, Ananda Rao Plaza, Loyola College Road, Near Father Balaiah Nagar Bus Stop, Old Alwal, Secunderabad, Telangana – 500010 |
| District | Medchal-Malkajgiri |
| City | Secunderabad / Hyderabad |
| State | Telangana |
| User Rating | 3.6/5 based on 1,000+ reviews |
| Official Website | tcsion.com |
Where Exactly Is It?
The centre is inside Ananda Rao Plaza on Loyola College Road, Old Alwal. The landmark most candidates and locals use is the Father Balaiah Nagar Bus Stop — the plaza is directly opposite this stop. Once you spot the bus stop, Ananda Rao Plaza is right in front of you. The iON Digital Zone is housed inside the building.
Old Alwal sits in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district, in the northern part of Secunderabad. The area is primarily residential-commercial, with decent road connectivity to the rest of the city. It is about 12 kilometres from Secunderabad Junction by road.
One important local detail worth knowing: the centre is commonly referred to as “Ananda Rao Plaza” by locals and auto drivers. If you tell your driver you are going to the iON Digital Zone, follow it up with “Ananda Rao Plaza, Old Alwal, near Father Balaiah Nagar” for clarity.
How to Reach iON Digital Zone Old Alwal
By TSRTC Bus
This is the most practical and economical option for most candidates. From Secunderabad Junction, board buses numbered 25S, 25J, 24S, or 25M heading towards Alwal, Bolarum, or Medchal. These buses stop at Father Balaiah Nagar, which is directly opposite Ananda Rao Plaza. The journey takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
When boarding, confirm with the conductor that the bus goes to “Old Alwal” or “Loyola College Road.” Experienced bus conductors on this route are familiar with exam candidates — mention that you have an exam and they will alert you at the right stop.
By MMTS Train
Alwal Halt station on the MMTS/DEMU route between Secunderabad and Medchal is the nearest railway station. It is approximately a 25-minute walk from Alwal Halt to the exam centre, or a very short auto ride. MMTS trains running on the Secunderabad–Bolarum line stop here. The station code is ALW.
By Metro + Bus / Auto
Old Alwal is not directly on Hyderabad’s Metro network. The nearest Metro stations are JBS Parade Ground or Secunderabad West on the Green and Blue lines. From either station, take a bus from the 25 series or an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 7–8 kilometres to the centre. Total journey from the Metro station takes approximately 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
By Cab
Ola and Uber are readily available across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Enter “Ananda Rao Plaza, Old Alwal” for the most accurate drop point. The 12-kilometre journey from Secunderabad station typically takes 20–30 minutes. Parking at Ananda Rao Plaza is limited — two-wheelers can find spots but car parking is tight, so arriving by public transport or cab is the more practical choice.
What to Expect at the Centre
The centre is a well-known exam venue with over 1,000 user reviews. Reviewers describe the exam halls as reasonably well-maintained with good ventilation, adequate lighting, and working computer systems. The staff is generally cooperative and the entry process runs on the standard TCS iON biometric protocol.
There is a bag deposit counter run by local vendors just outside the plaza. They charge approximately ₹20–₹30 per bag and are a practical option since phones, bags, and electronic devices are not permitted inside. That said, avoid bringing expensive electronics or large amounts of cash — only carry what you genuinely need for the exam.
Exams regularly conducted at this centre include IBPS banking tests (PO, Clerk, SO), SSC, Railways recruitment tests, RBI, Income Tax Department exams, and various other central government CBTs.
Practical Tips for Exam Day
Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before your slot. The entry process — biometric fingerprint scan and photograph verification — takes time, especially when multiple exam batches are reporting for the same shift. If you are travelling from distant parts of Hyderabad or from other districts, factor in the 25-series bus frequency and do not depend on catching the first bus you see.
Print your admit card and carry original photo ID. Read your specific admit card instructions carefully — some exams at this centre require a recent passport-size photograph as well. Keep your essentials in a small bag that you can deposit comfortably at the counter outside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the full address of iON Digital Zone Old Alwal?
A: The centre is at Door No. 1-5-909/1, Ananda Rao Plaza, Loyola College Road, near Father Balaiah Nagar Bus Stop, Old Alwal, Secunderabad, Telangana – 500010. The local landmark is Ananda Rao Plaza, directly opposite the Father Balaiah Nagar bus stop.
Q2. Which buses go to iON Digital Zone Old Alwal from Secunderabad station?
A: From Secunderabad Junction, take TSRTC buses numbered 25S, 25J, 24S, or 25M towards Alwal or Bolarum. These stop at Father Balaiah Nagar, which is directly opposite Ananda Rao Plaza. Tell the bus conductor you are going to “Old Alwal” or “Loyola College Road” — they are familiar with exam candidates on this route.
Q3. Is there a Metro station near iON Digital Zone Old Alwal?
A: Old Alwal does not have a Metro station. The nearest Metro stations are JBS Parade Ground and Secunderabad West on the Green and Blue lines. From either station, you will need a 25-series bus or an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 7–8 kilometres to the centre. The Alwal Halt MMTS train station is also nearby — about a 25-minute walk or a short auto ride.
Q4. Is there a bag deposit facility outside iON Digital Zone Old Alwal?
A: Yes. Local vendors outside Ananda Rao Plaza operate a bag deposit counter charging approximately ₹20–₹30 per bag. This is a practical option since bags, mobile phones, and electronic devices are not allowed inside the exam hall. Avoid depositing expensive electronics or large amounts of cash, and only carry essentials on exam day.
Q5. Which exams are commonly conducted at iON Digital Zone Old Alwal?
A: The centre regularly hosts IBPS banking exams (PO, Clerk, Specialist Officer), SSC recruitment tests, Railways recruitment board exams, RBI, Income Tax Department CBTs, and various other central government and corporate hiring assessments. The exam schedule changes each recruitment season — your specific exam details and slot timings will be mentioned on your official admit card.
