SSC-CGL examination: Technical issues result in cancellations at a few places in Delhi-NCR, new centres to be announced in 10 days

As many as 28,14,604 candidates have registered for the exam, which is being held across 260 centres in 129 cities from September 12 to 26. However, on the first day of the CGL Tier-I, the test was cancelled at multiple centres, including in Delhi-NCR. A cancellation notice posted at one of the Delhi centres said the Delhi and Gurgaon exams were called off due to administrative reasons. Candidates who were allotted these centres have been asked to appear on September 24, 25, and 26. While the Jammu centre at Digital Computer Education faced technical issues during the first shift, affected candidates have been asked to appear on September 26.

Speaking to a prominent media house on Friday, SSC Chairperson S Gopalakrishnan said the exam was conducted smoothly in most centres, but one major venue in Gurgaon faced mismanagement and technical glitches. He added that new centres in Delhi-NCR would be allotted within 10 days for the affected candidates. On cancellations, he clarified that an official notice can only be issued by the Commission, not by individual centres.

Aspirants told The Indian Express that the rescheduling has particularly affected students who came from faraway places. They also received an email informing them of the examination being rescheduled, as it said, “Dear Candidate, it is hereby informed that the examination scheduled in MM Public School, Gurugram, on 13.09.2025 and 14.09.2025 is cancelled due to administrative reasons and all the candidates will be rescheduled in Delhi/NCR in subsequent dates (sic).”

This disruption follows widespread protests over SSC exam mismanagement in Delhi earlier this year. During the Selection Post Phase 13 examination held between July 24 and August 1, aspirants faced abrupt cancellations, software crashes, biometric verification failures, and incorrect exam centre allotments, and many candidates were forced to return home without taking the exam, despite travelling long distances.

Meanwhile, the second day of the examinations on Saturday went relatively smoothly as no major disruptions were reported.

Widespread protests

Thousands of students and educators last month gathered at the Jantar Mantar and the CGO Complex in Delhi, demanding accountability from the SSC for the problems faced during the Selection Post Phase 13 examination, a review of its vendor contracts, and an independent investigation into the failures. On August 24, more than 1,000 aspirants and teachers gathered at the Ramlila Maidan in the capital. Over 40 protesters were detained by the police.

What has the SSC said?

The SSC is a central government body that conducts competitive exams to recruit staff for various Group B (non-gazetted) and Group C (non-technical) posts in ministries, departments, and other government offices. These exams offer a pathway to coveted government jobs, attracting millions of aspirants each year.

SSC Chairperson Gopalakrishnan had earlier said, “Since this is the first time for this agency, the examination has faced technical glitches and procedural lapses at a few centres. We have taken cognisance of this and are working to minimise disruptions.”

Following the row, SSC announced reforms, including a revised method of normalisation for multi-shift exams, adopting the equipercentile method to ensure fair evaluation across shifts. The Commission has also warned against any attempt to indulge in unfair means, citing the strict provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, under which offences are cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.