No data on candidates affected by centre changes, tech failures in selection post 13 exam: SSC

NEW DELHI: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has no specific data on the number of candidates affected by examination centre changes, cancellations and technical failures during the 2025 SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam, even as 76,153 candidates were given re-examinations following disruptions, according to its response to the Central Information Commission (CIC).

The examination had triggered widespread protests by SSC aspirants and teachers over alleged mismanagement of the recruitment examination, with demonstrators converging at Delhi's Jantar Mantar under a "Delhi Chalo" call demanding accountability and reforms in the examination process.

The examination, which began on July 24, 2025 and was scheduled to conclude on August 1, was marred by complaints of abrupt cancellations, server crashes, unresponsive systems and remote examination centres.

Some candidates had also alleged that they were allotted examination centres hundreds of kilometres from their homes. In an RTI application, the appellant sought the number of candidates whose centres were changed less than 24 hours before their examination, along with a city- and state-wise breakup and details of any special arrangements made for them.

Also read 'No Paper Leak, But Hacking Attempts': Why SSC GD exam centres face disruption, witness chaos?

No data available

In its written submission before the CIC, the SSC said, "Since EC-2 has no role in changing the examination centres of candidates, no data is available in this regard." The applicant had also sought the total number of candidates affected by centre changes, cancellations and technical or logistical failures, besides copies of internal reports prepared on these issues.

Responding to this, the SSC said: "No data is available with us, as EC-2 has a limited role in such activities. It said the section monitors the examination during its conduct. The SSC further disclosed that the examination was originally scheduled from July 24 to August 1, 2025, during which re-examinations were also conducted for multiple affected candidates.

"However, re-examination was conducted on 02.08.2025 and 29.08.2025 for 76,153 affected candidates," the commission said. At the same time, it said the "specific data relating to such candidates is not available in EC Section."

Also read SSC CPO Notification 2026 Out: Applications open for 1,871 Delhi Police, CAPF SI posts; exam pattern revised

RTI application

The RTI application also sought information on complaints received by the SSC or its partners regarding alleged mistreatment of students at examination centres, including incidents of physical abuse or aggression, medical emergencies and the reported case of a student fainting and bleeding from the mouth.

The SSC said, "No complaints are received in this regard." The applicant also sought communications between the SSC and Delhi Police or other authorities regarding the student and teacher protest held on July 31, 2025 near Jantar Mantar and the CGO Complex, including any directives issued for handling the demonstrators. The SSC said, "Insofar as the examination section was concerned, no communication was made between the Commission and Delhi Police."

The RTI applicant had also sought names and designations of officials involved in centre allocation, coordination with Eduquity (exam conducting agency) and other agencies, and examination-day operations.

The SSC cited Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act in response to this query. On internal file notes, meeting records and communications between the SSC and Ediquity or other agencies relating to the conduct and cancellation of the examination, the commission invoked Section 8(1)(a), saying disclosure could compromise the "sanctity, integrity and security of future examinations".

During the hearing, the CIC noted that the SSC could not satisfactorily explain the exemption used to deny information and directed it to submit a written justification. The commission later disposed of the appeal after receiving the response but cautioned the SSC to "act strictly within the precincts of the RTI Act" and follow prescribed timelines.