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Computer-based tests, no interview, no descriptive papers: SSC cut recruitment cycle to 6–10 months, says Minister

The SSC has introduced an online centralised e-dossier system to ensure secure and transparent handling of candidate records. Singh said the system allows controlled, role-based access for authorised users and provides a tracking mechanism with unique numbers for data integrity.

SSC introduced an online centralised e-dossier system to ensure secure and transparent handling of candidate record. (Representative/Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana)

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has undertaken several reforms to bring down the recruitment cycle from the earlier 15–18 months to 6–10 months. The Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the notice period for examinations has been reduced from about 45 days to 21 days.

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The SSC has also moved completely from pen-and-paper-based examinations to computer-based tests. In addition, the number of tiers in certain examinations has been reduced.

According to Singh, descriptive-type papers have been removed from all examinations except the combined Hindi translators examination. The interview process has also been discontinued. Verification of documents of selected candidates is now being handled directly by the ministries and departments concerned with the post-specific vacancy.

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The SSC has introduced an online centralised e-dossier system to ensure secure and transparent handling of candidate records. Singh said the system allows controlled, role-based access for authorised users and provides a tracking mechanism with unique numbers for data integrity.

The e-dossier system has been implemented in examinations such as the combined graduate level 2024, combined higher secondary level 2024, junior engineer 2024, and multi-tasking staff and havaldar 2024.

The minister said the new system has enabled faster validation and forwarding of dossiers, better coordination between SSC and ministries, and reduced use of physical records, thereby expediting pre-appointment verification and recommendations.

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On the use of regional languages in recruitment exams, Singh informed that since 2022, the SSC has been conducting three all-India examinations, multi-tasking staff and Havaldar, combined higher secondary level, and Constable (GD) in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English.

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For civil services examinations, candidates have the option to write answers in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, besides Hindi and English. Other recruitment agencies, including the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), also conduct their exams in 13 regional languages.