Rahul Gandhi slams SSC exam cancellation, says 85 lakh students hit by paper leaks, rigged recruitments in 2025

Congress leader targets Centre over repeated exam failures, says youth dreams shattered amid growing unemployment crisis

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has hit out at the central government over large-scale irregularities in recruitment examinations, highlighting how lakhs of students continue to suffer due to paper leaks, last-minute cancellations, and poor exam management. Sharing details of the recent SSC Phase-13 exam episode, he said that aspirants who travelled as much as 400–500 kilometres were informed at the centre that their exams were cancelled or postponed—without prior notice.

In a sharp social media post, Gandhi said this was not a one-off incident but a reflection of a decade-long pattern of negligence and failure. “In the last 10 years, over 80 papers, including NEET, UGC-NET, UPPSC, BPSC, and board exams, have faced blatant rigging. This year alone, the future of 85 lakh children has been affected by such malpractices. The government has failed to curb these issues, and its grand promises of transparency and reform in recruitment exams have proven hollow,” he said.

According to reports from candidates, many reached the exam centres after long journeys only to find chaos. Some were told the exam had been cancelled. Others reported being denied entry despite carrying valid admit cards. In several cases, neither local officials nor the recruitment board provided clear communication, leaving aspirants confused and distressed.

Rahul Gandhi criticised the government for betraying the dreams of India’s youth. “Lakhs of young people prepare for years to secure a government job. Their families make financial and emotional sacrifices. When exams are cancelled due to leaks or scams, their hopes are crushed. This is not just mismanagement—it’s an assault on the aspirations of a generation,” he said.

He linked the exam irregularities to the larger crisis of unemployment and joblessness among India’s youth. Recalling his party’s proposed "Right to Apprenticeship" scheme, Gandhi reiterated the promise of a one-year paid apprenticeship with ₹1 lakh annual stipend for every graduate under 25, and the filling of 30 lakh vacant government posts.

The SSC Phase-13 incident has once again brought exam transparency into focus, especially after the recent controversies surrounding NEET-UG and UGC-NET. With several exams being cancelled, rescheduled, or mired in paper leak allegations this year, student groups and opposition leaders have accused the government of completely failing to build a secure, reliable exam system.

Aspirants say they are losing critical years and opportunities due to repeated disruptions in the recruitment process. Many have called for a centralised exam calendar, strict anti-leak laws, compensation for affected candidates, and timely recruitment cycles.

Rahul Gandhi’s comments are likely to further intensify political debate around youth issues, especially with elections approaching in several states. His post reflects growing anger among students, who see a widening gap between government promises and their lived realities on the ground.