SSC Protest Explained: What triggered nationwide anger among aspirants and teachers

Students and teachers have highlighted multiple systemic failures in the SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam. One major grievance is the last-minute cancellation of exams without prior notice, forcing candidates to travel long distances only to find their tests postponed. Many aspirants also reported receiving their admit cards just two days before the exam, contrary to SSC's standard practice of releasing hall tickets at least four days in advance.

Another glaring issue was the irrational allocation of exam centres. Protesters shared instances where students from Jaipur were assigned centres in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, despite the SSC's policy of allotting centres based on geographic preference. This not only caused financial strain but also mental distress among candidates.

Technical Failures and Alleged Misconduct at Exam Centres

Several test centers faced severe technical disruptions, including system crashes, server failures, and non-functional equipment such as mice and monitors. Students reported being left without proper assistance, leading to unfair delays and compromised exam conditions.

Beyond technical issues, many candidates accused exam invigilators and security personnel of harassment and inappropriate behavior, further worsening the examination experience. These allegations have fueled anger among aspirants, who argue that such unprofessional conduct has no place in a national-level recruitment process.

Controversial Role of Eduquity, a Blacklisted Agency

One of the biggest triggers for the protests was the SSC's decision to appoint Eduquity, a private agency with a controversial past, to conduct the Selection Post Phase 13 exam. Eduquity was previously blacklisted by the Education Department due to its alleged involvement in the infamous Vyapam scam, which involved bribery, seat manipulation, and impersonation scandals.

Despite its tainted reputation, Eduquity is also slated to conduct the upcoming SSC CGL 2025 exam, which sees participation from over 30 lakh candidates. Students fear that continued reliance on this agency could lead to further mismanagement, jeopardizing their futures.

Aadhaar Authentication Woes Add to the Chaos

The mandatory Aadhaar-based verification system introduced additional hurdles for candidates. Many reported being unable to submit application forms due to biometric failures, while others faced authentication issues at exam centers, leading to disqualification. These technical and procedural flaws have only deepened frustration among aspirants.

Students' Demands

Protesters are demanding the immediate removal of Eduquity from conducting SSC exams. They are also seeking compensation for affected candidates who incurred travel and lodging expenses due to abrupt cancellations. Additionally, students are calling for strict action against officials responsible for mismanagement and structural reforms in SSC’s examination process, including better center allocation and timely admit card releases.

Government Response

As of now, authorities have not issued an official statement addressing the protests. However, the scale of the demonstrations highlights deep-rooted flaws in India's competitive exam system. With high-stakes tests like SSC CGL 2025 on the horizon, the government must take swift action to restore trust among aspirants and ensure a fair selection process.

For the latest updates on SSC exams and recruitment news, candidates are advised to follow official SSC notifications and Moneycontrol.