In a fresh wave of outrage, lakhs of aspirants are raising their voices against what they call another episode of negligence and systemic failure in the SSC (Staff Selection Commission) recruitment process. The controversy centers on the Phase 13 SSC Exam 2025, where candidates claim that a paper leak and major glitches in Eduquity's exam software have compromised the integrity of the recruitment process.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the protests, the allegations, and the technical troubles surrounding SSC Phase 13.
What Is the SSC Phase 13 Recruitment Exam?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts multiple exams every year for government job aspirants in India. The Phase 13 recruitment exam was part of a routine hiring drive intended to fill Group C and Group D vacancies across various departments.
The exams were scheduled from June to July 2025, and were conducted by Eduquity Career Technologies Pvt Ltd, an agency entrusted with hosting online examinations for government recruitment.
What Sparked the Protests?
Alleged Paper Leak
On the second and third days of the SSC Phase 13 exams, reports started circulating online that question papers had been leaked hours before the scheduled start. Screenshots of the alleged paper leak began trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Telegram. Hashtags such as #SSCExamScam, #Phase13Leak, and #EduquityFailure were among the top trends.
Aspirants questioned how certain candidates were able to predict questions with uncanny accuracy, leading many to believe that the exam had been compromised from within.
Eduquity Software Glitches
Equally damaging were the allegations of serious technical issues in Eduquity’s exam interface. Students reported:
- Login failures even after entering the correct credentials
- Auto-submission of papers within minutes of starting
- Inability to scroll between questions
- Server crashes mid-exam
- Camera and biometric errors, causing disqualification
These technical faults have raised serious doubts over the reliability of Eduquity’s systems, especially for a national-level competitive exam.
Government’s Response So Far
The SSC has acknowledged that there were "technical difficulties" in some centers but has not confirmed any paper leak as of August 3, 2025.
A brief statement released by the Commission said:
“Some centers reported technical challenges due to software backend errors. A committee has been formed to investigate these concerns.”
However, aspirants are not convinced and continue to demand a CBI inquiry into both the leak and Eduquity’s contract.
Eduquity’s History of Errors
This is not the first time Eduquity has come under fire. In 2022 and 2023, the agency was involved in controversies linked to software malfunctions during recruitment exams for central ministries and PSU jobs. Despite repeated complaints, the firm continued to get government contracts—raising eyebrows about possible favoritism or lack of oversight.
Students Take to the Streets and Social Media
From Delhi to Lucknow, Patna to Bhopal, thousands of candidates have staged peaceful protests demanding accountability. Protesters are urging:
- Immediate cancellation of the Phase 13 exam
- Blacklisting of Eduquity
- Re-exam for all affected candidates
- Transparent inquiry by an independent authority
Influential educators and YouTubers, including Anurag Bhaiya and Aman Dhattarwal, have supported the movement, bringing further attention to the cause.
Impact on Aspirants
Many candidates spent years preparing for this exam. For several of them, the SSC job was a lifeline out of poverty. The paper leak and glitches have shattered their trust in the system.
“I borrowed money for coaching and travel. Now my exam was auto-submitted in 3 minutes. Who will answer for this?” — says Shalini, a candidate from Bihar.
Legal Action & Petitions Filed
Multiple petitions have already been filed in the Delhi High Court and Patna High Court, urging a stay on result declaration and a full-scale inquiry. Lawyers representing aspirants argue that proceeding with results in light of these irregularities would be a violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality).
Opposition Parties React
Political leaders from Congress, AAP, and Samajwadi Party have slammed the central government’s handling of the issue. Priyanka Gandhi tweeted:
“Yet another exam scam under this government. The youth of India deserve better. Why is Eduquity still being hired?”
Possible Outcomes: What Happens Next?
While it's unclear whether SSC will agree to cancel or re-conduct the exam, history suggests that student pressure has worked in the past. If protests gain further traction, the Commission may be forced to:
- Suspend Eduquity’s contract
- Initiate a re-exam
- Implement stricter digital exam policies
Until then, uncertainty looms large over the future of Phase 13 candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the SSC Phase 13 exam officially cancelled?
No, as of now the exam has not been cancelled. Investigations are ongoing.
2. What is Eduquity and why is it involved?
Eduquity Career Technologies is a private tech firm responsible for conducting online recruitment exams. It was hired by SSC for Phase 13.
3. What were the main glitches reported?
Login failures, auto-submission, server crashes, biometric errors, and question navigation issues.
4. Is there proof of a paper leak?
Screenshots of questions have been widely circulated, but SSC has not confirmed their authenticity.
5. Are any re-exams being scheduled?
Not yet. Aspirants are demanding re-exams, but no announcement has been made.
6. Can candidates file a legal complaint individually?
Yes, candidates can approach courts with grievances under constitutional provisions like Article 14 and 21.
7. Will Eduquity be blacklisted?
It’s possible, but only after a formal investigation or court directive.
8. How can students report their grievances?
SSC has an official portal, but many are also submitting RTIs and complaints to state-level grievance redressal boards.
9. How has social media impacted the protest?
Social media helped amplify student voices, trending hashtags forced mainstream media coverage.
10. Is this the first SSC exam controversy?
No. SSC exams have faced issues in the past, including the infamous 2018 paper leak scandal.
Conclusion
The SSC Phase 13 exam controversy once again highlights the systemic cracks in India’s recruitment infrastructure. From technical incompetence to suspected leaks, the situation reflects poorly on both the Staff Selection Commission and its chosen vendors like Eduquity.
If there's one thing that’s clear, it’s the resilience of the youth—fighting not just for a job but for justice. As protests intensify, it remains to be seen whether authorities will acknowledge the mistakes and act in the interest of fairness, or let yet another exam scam quietly slip into the past.
Report by Toofan Express