Detailed Report on SSC Exam, Eduquity Career Technologies, and Related Protests

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a pivotal institution in India, tasked with recruiting candidates for various government positions through competitive examinations. The SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam, conducted from July 24 to August 1, 2025, has become a focal point of controversy due to alleged mismanagement by the contracted vendor, Eduquity Career Technologies. This report delves into the SSC exam structure, Eduquity’s role, the reasons behind nationwide protests, the actions taken against protesters, and the identities of individuals reportedly detained during these demonstrations.

The SSC Exam: Structure and Significance

The SSC conducts a range of examinations to fill government posts, including:

• Combined Graduate Level (CGL): For graduate-level positions in ministries and departments.
• Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL): For roles like data entry operators and lower divisional clerks.
• Selection Post Exams: For various posts across different educational qualifications, including the Phase 13 exam in question.

The Selection Post Phase 13 exam, a computer-based test (CBT), was designed to recruit candidates for diverse government roles. Held from July 24 to August 1, 2025, it attracted thousands of aspirants due to the allure of stable government jobs. The exam’s computer-based format relies heavily on technological infrastructure, making the choice of vendor critical to its success.

Eduquity Career Technologies: Role and Controversies

Eduquity Career Technologies, a private company specializing in online exam software and assessment services, was contracted by the SSC to manage the CBT for the Selection Post Phase 13 exam. The company’s responsibilities included:

• Providing the technological platform for online testing.
• Ensuring smooth operation of exam centers, including hardware and software functionality.
• Managing logistics such as candidate verification and exam scheduling.

However, Eduquity’s involvement has been fraught with issues:

• Technical Failures: Candidates reported server crashes, unresponsive systems, and exam portals freezing, disrupting the testing process.
• Logistical Issues: Many candidates were assigned exam centers 400–500 km from their hometowns, with some centers located in remote or unsafe areas. Reports also highlighted poor conditions, such as exam venues sharing space with livestock.
• Past Controversies: Eduquity has faced allegations of mismanagement in previous exams, including the MP Patwari exam and teacher eligibility tests, with accusations of paper leaks and technical glitches. Despite being blacklisted by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Eduquity was awarded the SSC contract, raising questions about the selection process.

The decision to replace Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a previous vendor, with Eduquity has been a significant point of contention, with over 55,000 grievances filed against the SSC for these issues.

Nationwide Protests: Causes and Scope

The mismanagement of the SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam triggered widespread protests across India, with the most prominent demonstrations occurring in Delhi under the "Delhi Chalo" movement. Key grievances included:

• Technical Glitches: Non-functional computers, faulty keyboards, and server issues hindered candidates’ ability to complete the exam.
• Abrupt Cancellations: Last-minute cancellations of exam shifts caused significant inconvenience, particularly for candidates who traveled long distances.
• Poor Exam Center Management: Inadequate facilities, remote locations, and allegations of bouncers at exam centers raised concerns about security and fairness.
• Systemic Failures: Protesters criticized the SSC for systemic issues, including a lack of transparency and accountability, and demanded a review of Eduquity’s contract.

The protests, which began as isolated complaints, escalated into a nationwide movement, with thousands gathering at Jantar Mantar and the CGO Complex in Delhi. Social media amplified the unrest, with hashtags like #SSCMisManagement, #SSCSystemSudharo, and #SSCVendorFailure trending widely.

Actions Taken Against Protesters

The protests, particularly the "Delhi Chalo" march on July 31, 2025, faced significant police intervention:

• Detentions: Police detained several protesters, including teachers and students, when they attempted to march to the DoPT office to meet Minister Jitendra Singh and submit a memorandum demanding transparency and reform.
• Use of Force: Reports indicate that police used lathicharge (baton charges) to disperse crowds, with allegations of excessive force. Videos circulating on social media showed differently-abled candidates being manhandled, prompting widespread outrage.
• Injuries: A notable incident involved an educator named Sanjeev Sir, who reportedly suffered a broken arm due to police action. Other protesters reported injuries, further fueling criticism of the police response.

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) condemned the government’s actions, calling them a “murder of democracy” and highlighting the lack of dialogue with protesters. Political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the government, noting that 85 lakh students were affected by exam-related issues in 2025.

Names of Arrested Individuals

While specific names of arrested students are not widely documented in the available sources, two prominent educators were mentioned in connection with the protests:

• Neetu Singh (Neetu Ma’am): A well-known educator who participated in the Delhi protest. She was detained on July 31, 2025, but released later that night. Her involvement highlighted the support of coaching mentors in the movement.
• Sanjeev Sir: An English teacher who was reportedly injured during the protest, with claims of a broken arm due to police lathicharge.

The lack of specific student names in reports may reflect the large scale of the protests and the media’s focus on prominent figures. The demonstrators’ primary goal was to engage in dialogue with DoPT officials, but the police response was criticized as oppressive, with allegations of beating and forcibly arresting peaceful protesters.

Demands of the Protesters

The protesters outlined several demands to address the issues with the SSC exams:

• Independent Investigation: A transparent probe into the technical and administrative failures of the Phase 13 exam.
• Vendor Contract Review: Reassessment or rollback of Eduquity’s contract due to its history of mismanagement.
• Systemic Reforms: Improvements in exam infrastructure, including reliable technology and accessible exam centers.
• Transparency and Accountability: Timely declaration of results and measures to prevent paper leaks and malpractices.

These demands were supported by student organizations like the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Delhi University Students’ Union president Ronak Khatri, who wrote to the SSC Chairman to emphasize the need for reform.

Key Issues and Demands in SSC Protests

Conclusion

The SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam, conducted by Eduquity Career Technologies, has sparked significant controversy due to technical and administrative failures. The resulting protests, particularly the "Delhi Chalo" movement, reflect deep frustration among aspirants and educators over the SSC’s handling of the exam process. Police actions, including detentions and reported use of force, have further escalated tensions, with prominent educators like Neetu Singh and Sanjeev Sir caught in the fray. The lack of specific student names in reports underscores the scale of the protests, but the movement’s demands for transparency, accountability, and reform remain clear. As pressure mounts on the SSC and the government, the resolution of these issues will be critical to restoring trust among millions of aspirants.