#SSCVendorFailure: Protests Erupt Over Exam Cancellations, Glitches in SSC Phase 13 Recruitment Test

‘Delhi Chalo’ protest planned on July 31 as aspirants demand reforms, transparency

The ongoing Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Selection Post Phase 13 recruitment exam has triggered widespread protests across the country, with aspirants alleging mismanagement, repeated cancellations, and technical failures. The exams, which commenced on July 24 and are scheduled to conclude on August 1, have been marred by logistical and administrative lapses at several centres.

The hashtag #SSCVendorFailure has been trending on X (formerly Twitter), with students demanding accountability from the SSC and the Ministry of Personnel. A “Delhi Chalo” protest has been called for July 31, with aggrieved candidates seeking an overhaul of exam management systems and a rollback of outsourced services.

Cancelled Exams, Technical Snags Reported

According to candidates, multiple exam shifts were either cancelled or halted abruptly. At Pawan Ganga Educational Centre 2, exams from July 24 to 26 were called off for “administrative reasons”. Similarly, the first shift at Educasa International, Hubbali, on July 24 was interrupted due to a technical glitch.

While some of the cancelled shifts have been rescheduled from July 28 onwards, many aspirants said they received no timely communication and were left stranded after travelling long distances.

Poor Infrastructure, Distant Centres Add to Woes

Apart from technical snags, aspirants have also flagged poor infrastructure at exam centres. Complaints included malfunctioning systems, suffocating rooms without fans, broken chairs, and lack of basic amenities. Many candidates were assigned centres located 500–1,000 km away from their place of residence, adding to the financial burden.

Criticism is being directed at the new private vendor engaged by SSC for managing exam logistics. Several users claimed that the vendor had previously been pulled up by a High Court in another case, raising questions over the selection process.

Candidates have taken to social media to share their experiences and express frustration. Here are some of the key posts:

Neetu Singh (@NeetuSingh202) "Students are suffering due to repeated exam cancellations & poor infrastructure. Future is at stake, but there’s no response to our concerns. We demand immediate action & accountability. @DoPTGoI #SSCReforms #SSCVendorFailure"

Aditya Ranjan (@adityaranjan108) "भाई, ये तो अब सरासर गुंडागर्दी है। जब छात्र परीक्षा देने जाएं, और बदले में मार खाकर लौटं, तो ये सिर्फ अव्यवस्था नहीं, ये अत्याचार है। #SSCVendorFailure #SSCMisManagement"

Rahul Kushwaha (@rk91440336) "#SSCVendorFailure Dear SSC, our dreams are not a joke! Technical failures, paper leaks, and mismanagement by your vendors are destroying years of our hard work. We deserve justice and transparency."

Soniya Deshwal (@ImSoniya24) "Smells like a scam. The company that was declared a thief by the High Court—SSC appointed that very same company as vendor and made the thief the gatekeeper."

Call for Reforms Intensifies

Student groups have demanded that SSC:

Develop its own in-house exam software,

Drop the current vendor,

Offer compensation or re-exams to affected candidates, and

Ensure transparency in communication and logistics.

The controversy has reignited a larger debate over the privatisation of exam services in India. Several education experts and civil society voices have questioned why a government capable of conducting national elections cannot ensure glitch-free competitive exams.

SSC Silence

The SSC has not issued any formal statement on the ongoing protests or vendor allegations. However, it has released notices confirming the cancellation of certain shifts and rescheduling of some exams.

As the July 31 protest draws closer, the pressure is mounting on the Commission and the government to initiate a transparent probe and restore the trust of lakhs of aspirants.