Search for iON Digital Zone Old Alwal on three different websites and you will likely see three different door numbers: 5-909/1, 1-5-909/1 and even 1-5-266/4/2. One listing places it in “Dad Enclave-Karkhana,” another calls it a health clinic. If that has made you nervous about your admit card, relax. All of these point to the same building, and this Wikipedia Search guide shows you exactly how to reach it, how to find the right door, and what candidates ran into once they got inside.
Everything here comes from public candidate reviews, local transit data and official centre listings, checked against each other so you do not have to.
iON Digital Zone Old Alwal at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Centre name | iON Digital Zone (iDZ), Old Alwal |
| Building | Anand Rao Plaza (upper floors) |
| Road | Loyola College Road / Father Balaiah Nagar Road |
| Locality | Citizen Colony, Bhavani Nagar, Old Alwal, Alwal |
| City and pin code | Secunderabad, Telangana 500010 |
| Nearest bus stop | Father Balaiah Nagar |
| Nearest railway station | Alwal (ALW), on the MMTS Secunderabad to Medchal line |
| Nearest metro | None in Alwal; JBS Parade Ground is the closest practical option |
| Listed hours | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, all days |
| Common exams | IBPS, SSC, RRB, state recruitment and university entrance tests |
One Centre, Many Addresses: Which iON Digital Zone Old Alwal Address Is Right?
This is the number one source of panic for candidates, and no other guide explains it. Directory sites copy addresses from different sources, so the same iDZ Old Alwal centre shows up in several versions.
| Where you saw it | Address version | Is it the same centre? |
| Admit cards and older listings | iDZ Old Alwal, Ananda Rao Plaza, Father Balaiah Nagar Colony, Above Heritage Fresh, Loyola College Road | Yes |
| Justdial (main listing) | Door No 1-5-909/1, Anand Rao Plaza, Near Father Balaiah Nagar, Bhavani Nagar | Yes |
| Magicpin and Google-style listings | Door No. 1, Anand Rao Plaza, 5-909/1, Father Balaiah Nagar Road, Cityzen Colony | Yes |
| Mappls (MapmyIndia) | Plot No 126, 1-5-266/4/2, Old Alwal Road, Ananda Rao Plaza, Loyola College Road | Yes |
| Second Justdial listing | “Dad Enclave-Karkhana,” Above Heritage Fresh Stores | Yes, but the locality tag is wrong |
The two words that never change are “Anand Rao Plaza” (sometimes spelled “Ananda Rao”) and the pin code “500010.” Use those two together and you will land at the right building every time.
A small warning: older admit cards and listings use “Above Heritage Fresh” as the landmark. Shop signage changes over the years, so treat Anand Rao Plaza and the Father Balaiah Nagar bus stop as your main landmarks instead.
If this is your first computer-based test, our broader guide on how to decode and verify any TCS iON Digital Zone explains how venue lines and iDZ numbers work across India.
6 Easy Routes to iON Digital Zone Old Alwal
Old Alwal sits in the northern part of Secunderabad, roughly 8 km from Secunderabad Railway Station. There is no metro here, so most candidates combine a train or metro with a bus or auto. Pick the route that matches where you are starting from.
Route 1: From Secunderabad Railway Station by Bus
This is the most popular option for outstation candidates. Board a TGSRTC bus (city service) heading toward Alwal, Bolarum, Suchitra or Medchal. Candidates commonly use 25S (toward Suchitra and Medchal), 25B and 24S. One reviewer reported reaching Anand Rao Plaza on a direct 25B in about 35 minutes. Get down at Father Balaiah Nagar bus stop; the centre is right there.
Route 2: From Secunderabad by MMTS Train
Local MMTS and DEMU trains on the Secunderabad to Medchal line stop at Alwal railway station (ALW). The train ride takes about 20 minutes, followed by a short auto ride to Loyola College Road. Train frequency in the early morning is limited, so check timings on the official NTES train enquiry the day before. Use this route only if a train fits your reporting time with a buffer.
Route 3: From MGBS or Afzalgunj
Coming from a district bus? If you land at MGBS, the 1/25S route from Afzalgunj passes near Old Alwal. The ride is long during peak traffic, so allow at least 75 minutes.
Route 4: Metro Plus Bus
Hyderabad Metro does not reach Alwal. Ride to JBS Parade Ground station, then take a 25-series bus or an auto for the remaining 7 to 8 km. This works well if you are coming from the Ameerpet, Miyapur or LB Nagar side.
Route 5: From Kompally, Suchitra or Medchal Side
Candidates from the north have it easiest. Route 24S connects Suchitra with Old Alwal, and reviewers say the centre is easy to reach from Alwal Gate and Suchitra Cross Roads. An auto from Suchitra is a quick option too.
Route 6: Cab or Own Vehicle
Type “Anand Rao Plaza, Old Alwal 500010” in your cab app, not just “TCS iON.” Auto and cab drivers in the area know the plaza well because of daily exam crowds. If you are riding your own bike or car, read the parking section below first.
Want live bus tracking? TGSRTC’s official Gamyam app shows city bus routes and real-time arrivals at nearby stops.
The Last 200 Metres: Finding the Right Door
Many candidates reach the plaza and still lose 10 minutes searching for the entrance. Here is what to look for:
- Loyola College Road: The plaza is on this stretch near the Father Balaiah Nagar bus stop.
- Anand Rao Plaza signboard: A multi-storey commercial building with shops on the ground floor.
- Upper floors: The TCS iON exam centre is not at street level. Entry is usually through a side staircase or a lift area set aside for candidates.
- Flex banners: On exam days, look for iON Digital Zone banners and the queue of candidates near the stairs.
Here is the location on Google Maps. Save it offline before you leave home, since mobile data can slow down in crowded areas.
Map: iON Digital Zone Old Alwal, Anand Rao Plaza, Secunderabad 500010.
Rules That Catch Candidates Off Guard at Old Alwal
Exam rules come from your exam body, not the centre. Still, reviews of this iON Digital Zone Hyderabad location show a pattern of small surprises that can rattle you right before a test.
| What candidates reported | How to stay ready |
| Asked to remove wristwatches, even simple analogue ones | Leave your watch at home; the exam screen shows a timer |
| Asked for extra copies of the hall ticket | Carry two or three printed copies of your admit card |
| Pens not allowed inside without prior notice | Do not plan on using your own pen; follow your admit card and the staff instructions on what is permitted |
| Long queues at shift change | Reach 60 to 90 minutes before your reporting time |
| Large crowds on big exam days | Keep documents in one clear folder so frisking moves fast |
None of these rules are unusual for computer-based tests. They feel harsh only when they come as a surprise, so walking in prepared makes all the difference.
Bags, Parking and Practical Things to Know
Cloakroom and bag deposit: Candidates report a paid cloakroom, around ₹20 per item, along with private bag counters run by local vendors outside the building. Carry small change and leave expensive items such as laptops at home.
Parking: Reviews are split here. Some candidates found enough space for bikes and cars, while others faced a crunch on busy exam days. If you are driving, arrive early or get dropped off.
Facilities inside: Reviewers mention drinking water, washrooms, a waiting area and helpful staff who guide you through biometric verification and seating.
For women candidates: A few reviews note that the bag counter is outside while the washroom is inside, which can be inconvenient. Use the washroom before you deposit your bag, and travel light so there is less to manage.
Coming From Outside Hyderabad? A Simple 24-Hour Plan
If your exam city is Hyderabad but you live in Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad or another district, plan to arrive a day early.
Day before: Reach Secunderabad, check in near the station or in the Alwal area, and do a trial trip to Anand Rao Plaza around the same time as your exam. Note the bus number and exact stop.
Exam morning: Leave with at least 30 minutes of extra buffer. Eat a light breakfast nearby, and keep your admit card, original photo ID and printouts in a clear folder.
After the exam: Buses back to Secunderabad run regularly from the same main road, so you will not be stuck.
For a complete checklist of what to carry and what happens inside the exam hall, read this iON Digital Zone exam day guide.
Do Not Confuse Old Alwal With Other Hyderabad iDZ Centres
Hyderabad has several iON Digital Zones, and similar names cause wrong turns. Moula Ali, for example, has two separate centres, iDZ 1 and iDZ 2, in a different part of Secunderabad. Always confirm that your admit card says “Old Alwal” and “Anand Rao Plaza” before booking a cab.
Official information on the iON network is available on the TCS iON website.
Got a Different iDZ on Your Admit Card?
Exam bodies often allot centres outside your home city, especially during big recruitment drives. If your admit card names one of these centres instead, Wikipedia Search covers them too:
| Centre | Location |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ Manimangalam | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ Bopal | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ Tupudana | Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ 2 Chinamushidiwada | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ Atchutapuram | Near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ Kandrika | Andhra Pradesh |
| iON Digital Zone iDZ Jalandhar | Jalandhar, Punjab |
Each guide follows the same idea as this one: the exact address, real routes from the nearest station, and what candidates experienced inside.
FAQs
Is there a metro station near iON Digital Zone Old Alwal?
No. Hyderabad Metro does not reach Alwal. The most practical option is to get down at JBS Parade Ground station and take a 25-series bus or an auto for the last 7 to 8 km.
Which bus goes to iON Digital Zone Old Alwal from Secunderabad Railway Station?
Buses toward Alwal, Bolarum, Suchitra or Medchal work best. Candidates commonly use 25S, 25B and 24S and get down at Father Balaiah Nagar bus stop. The ride usually takes 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
Is iDZ Old Alwal the same as the Anand Rao Plaza exam centre?
Yes. iDZ Old Alwal, Ananda Rao Plaza and Anand Rao Plaza all refer to the same TCS iON centre in Secunderabad 500010. Different door numbers on directory sites still point to this one building.
Does iON Digital Zone Old Alwal have a cloakroom?
Yes. Candidates report a paid cloakroom of around ₹20 per item, plus private bag counters outside the building. Mobile phones and bags are not allowed inside the exam hall, so carry small change.
What time does iON Digital Zone Old Alwal open?
Online listings show it open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day. Your actual reporting time depends on your exam shift, so always follow the time printed on your admit card.
Secunderabad Railway Station se iON Digital Zone Old Alwal kitna door hai?
Lagbhag 8 km door hai. TGSRTC bus 25S, 25B ya 24S se 35 se 50 minute lagte hain, traffic ke hisaab se. Jaldi pahunchna ho toh MMTS train se Alwal station tak jaiye aur wahan se auto le lijiye.
Agar exam ke din late ho gaye toh kya entry milegi?
Zyadatar exams mein gate closing time ke baad entry nahi milti, chahe aap 5 minute hi late hon. Isliye admit card par likhe reporting time se 60 se 90 minute pehle Anand Rao Plaza pahunchne ka plan banaiye, khaaskar baarish ya peak traffic wale din.
Old Alwal centre ke paas raat rukne ki jagah mil jayegi?
Haan, Secunderabad station ke aas-paas aur Alwal area mein budget lodges aur guest houses mil jaate hain. Bade exam dates par rooms jaldi bhar jaate hain, toh admit card aate hi booking kar lijiye aur ek din pehle centre ka trial visit bhi kar lijiye.
Your Exam Centre Is Sorted. Now Focus on the Exam.
You now know the right address, the best route for your starting point, and the small rules that trip people up. That is one less thing to worry about on exam morning.
Explore more centre guides and exam tips on Wikipedia Search, and share this page in your exam WhatsApp or Telegram group. Someone travelling from Secunderabad tomorrow morning will thank you for it.
Disclaimer
Wikipedia Search is an independent information website and is not affiliated with Tata Consultancy Services, TCS iON, TGSRTC or any exam conducting body. Bus routes, timings, facilities and rules can change. Always treat your admit card and the official notice from your exam body as the final source of information.
