SSC Phase 13 Vendor Failure Protest: Students Demand Action

The SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exams, conducted between July 24 and August 1, 2025, have sparked intense frustration and disappointment among candidates nationwide. This year, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) replaced its long‑time vendor TCS with Eduquity Career Technologies, a move that quickly backfired.

Many candidates experienced sudden exam cancellations, frequent technical failures, and poorly organized centres. Several travelled long distances, investing time and money, only to arrive and discover their exams had been postponed or cancelled without any prior information.

As frustration grew, students and teachers took to social media using hashtags like #SSCVendorFailure and #SSCMisManagement. What began online soon evolved into protests in several cities across the country.

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The Delhi Protest and Police Action

On July 31, 2025, thousands of students and teachers, including popular educator Neetu Singh (Neetu Ma’am), joined the “Delhi Chalo” march at Jantar Mantar and outside SSC offices in Delhi. What began as a peaceful protest soon turned tense.

Videos online show police using lathi charges and detaining several demonstrators, including women and differently-abled candidates. Many later claimed they were held for hours without being told where or why, further fueling public anger.

What Are Protesters Asking For?

The demands of the protesters – students and teachers who have been at the forefront of the movement – are clear and practical:

End the agreement with Eduquity and choose a reliable vendor with a strong track record to handle upcoming exams.
Conduct re‑examinations for all affected candidates without charging extra fees.
Strengthen exam centre facilities, including reliable hardware, backup power, and trained technical support.
Order an independent investigation into the vendor selection process and hold those responsible accountable.

The Eduquity Controversy

Eduquity Career Technologies, the vendor currently facing criticism, has a troubled history. In 2020, it was blacklisted after being accused of serious irregularities and was even connected to scams such as Vyapam.

Given this track record, many aspirants are questioning why SSC trusted the company with such an important exam. Protesters believe that this poorly reviewed decision is what led to the serious mismanagement seen during the Phase 13 exams.

Possible Steps Needed to Restore Trust

To regain credibility and prevent similar issues, SSC must act decisively:

Terminate Eduquity’s contract and conduct a thorough background check on any future vendors.
Offer compensation or free re‑attempts for candidates whose exams were cancelled or disrupted.
Upgrade exam centre infrastructure, ensuring real‑time technical support and robust backup systems.
Set up a grievance redressal mechanism so candidates can raise complaints and get quick resolutions.
Conduct a thorough, independent review of the vendor selection process to guarantee transparency and fairness at every stage.

Conclusion

The anger over Phase 13 isn’t limited to this one exam. With the SSC CGL 2025 – which will involve over 3 million candidates – just weeks away, aspirants worry the same problems could repeat on a much larger scale, jeopardizing countless careers.

This crisis has also reignited debate over outsourcing government recruitment exams to private vendors. Many students believe that handing over such crucial responsibilities without strict checks only increases the chances of mistakes and negligence, ultimately hurting those who work the hardest.