July 31,2025 —
Thousands of government job aspirants from across India gathered in the national capital on Wednesday to protest against irregularities in the conduct of the SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exam. The demonstration, titled “Delhi Chalo”, was organized in response to widespread disruptions and technical failures linked to the outsourced exam vendor, Eduquity.
Students allege that the recent exam cycle was marred by system crashes, biometric errors, and last-minute cancellations, leaving many unable to complete or even attend their scheduled exams. In numerous cases, candidates claim to have travelled long distances, only to be turned away without any official communication.
The protestors are calling for the immediate termination of Eduquity’s contract and the reinstatement of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which previously managed SSC examinations and was praised for its reliable infrastructure.
“We are not just demanding fair exams. We are demanding our right to a future,” said Aakash Meena, a protester from Madhya Pradesh. “The system failed us. And no one has been held accountable.”
Mismanagement Sparks Nationwide Outrage
In the days preceding the protest, social media platforms saw an outpouring of frustration from students using terms such as “vendor failure,” “exam scam,” and “systemic negligence.” Many shared first-hand accounts of exam centre chaos, while others highlighted the lack of a formal response from SSC officials.
The issue has quickly gained national attention, with students from over a dozen states joining the protest in Delhi. Candidates are demanding a comprehensive review of how examination vendors are selected, alongside a permanent grievance redressal mechanism and greater transparency in SSC operations.
A memorandum submitted by protest leaders includes the following demands:
- Termination of Eduquity’s role in exam conduction.
- Independent audit of the Phase 13 examination process.
- Return to trusted service providers such as TCS.
- Immediate rescheduling of cancelled exams.
- Clear accountability from the Ministry of Personnel.
Political Silence Draws Criticism
Despite the scale of the protest, neither the SSC nor the Ministry of Personnel had issued a formal statement by Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, some opposition lawmakers criticized the silence, urging the government to address the concerns of lakhs of aspirants depending on timely recruitment for government posts.
Civil society groups and student unions have also lent their support, accusing the administration of undermining the integrity of public examinations through unchecked outsourcing and poor oversight.
Growing Movement for Reform
This protest is part of a broader pattern of dissatisfaction with government recruitment processes in recent years. Several SSC, Railway, and state-level exams have been plagued by delays, leaks, and abrupt cancellations. However, many believe that the situation surrounding the Phase 13 exam represents a critical turning point.
“This isn’t just about one exam. It’s about restoring faith in a system millions depend on,” said Reema Yadav, a candidate from Uttar Pradesh.
Protest organisers warned that if no action is taken, the movement will intensify, including further rallies, online campaigns, and legal petitions. As of now, candidates await a formal response from SSC authorities, hoping their demands for fairness and accountability will be heard.
