SSC Launches AADARSH Pariksha Kendra Amid Exam Row; Launches Modern Exam Centres With 8,000 Seats

SSC has launched AADARSH Pariksha Kendra with 8,000 seats, grievance hub and YouTube channel; Chairman vows transparency after exam controversies.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced several measures to reform its recruitment exams with the launch of AADARSH Pariksha Kendra (APK), a modern and secure testing facility aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness and candidate convenience.

The recent move comes amid increasing criticism of the Commission over repeated exam related controversies, including alleged paper leaks, delayed results and technical glitches in computer-based exams. As per a the statement issued by the SSC, under the initiative, about 8,000 seats will be available at new ISO-certified centres featuring AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, biometric verification, baggage counters, air-conditioned halls and on-site technical support. The centres will be monitored through a central command room to deliver tamper-proof exams.

Other measures announced by SSC include:

More than 90% of candidates to get centres from among their three preferences.

Exam centres within 200 km of home.

Standardised stationery across centres.

Launch of an official SSC YouTube channel for exam updates.

A dedicated grievance hub for faster issue resolution.

In recent years, SSC has faced widespread criticism following allegations of leaks in SSC CGL exam, delays in releasing results of various exams, as well as inconsistent normalisation practices. SSC aspirants have recently staged protests in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states demanding reforms and transparency in the recruitment process.

Last week, SSC Chairman S. Gopalakrishnan acknowledged these concerns of students, stating that restoring trust among aspirants is his priority. He said: “Every year, over 2 crore candidates appear for SSC exams. Our focus remains on ensuring fairness, transparency and a candidate-friendly environment. With initiatives like the AADARSH Pariksha Kendra and grievance portal, we are building a more secure and credible exam ecosystem.”

He added that SSC is moving towards “SSC 2.0”, aligned with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promising greater self-reliance, accountability and a fully technology-driven recruitment process.