SC Chairman S. Gopalakrishnan recognized that candidates encountered legitimate challenges, such as malfunctioning systems, delays in Aadhaar verification, and the allocation of centres that were far away. He affirmed that the concerns regarding the availability of functional computers, proximity of centres, and the seamless execution of exams were justified, and he confirmed that the Commission has implemented corrective measures to resolve these issues, as reported by various media outlets.
NEW NORMALISATION RULE
A significant alteration has been made to the score normalisation procedure. The SSC has substituted the previous formula with a new shift-wise evaluation system, which will take effect from July 2025. This new approach ensures that variations in difficulty are considered within each specific shift. Furthermore, Tier 2 of the CGL will be conducted in a single shift, supported by advanced technology.
FOUR AGENCIES TO HANDLE EXAMS
In explaining the causes of the technical difficulties experienced in July, Gopalakrishnan noted that previously, a single agency was responsible for both conducting the exam and setting the papers. Now, the duties have been distributed among four specialized agencies: one for managing exam centres, another for security, a third for application management, and a fourth for content creation. The SSC will maintain direct oversight of the paper design.
AADHAR-BASED VERIFICATION
Regarding the delays in Aadhaar verification, the chairman stressed that authentication is crucial to prevent impersonation and to maintain the confidentiality of question papers. Although initial issues related to OTP had led to delays, he indicated that the system has now stabilized and is vital in curbing malpractices.
EXAM CENTRES CLOSER TO HOME
In response to candidates’ complaints about having to travel to distant centres, Gopalakrishnan acknowledged that challenges related to vendors had resulted in some students being assigned centres located hundreds of kilometres away. He mentioned that currently, approximately 80 percent of candidates are allocated centres of their preference, and with the new system, this percentage is expected to increase to over 90 percent. No candidate will be required to travel more than 100 km to reach their exam location.
NO RETURN TO PEN-AND-PAPER
Rejecting the notion of reverting to traditional paper-based testing, the chairman articulated that computer-based assessments are more secure and efficient. He asserted that with millions of applicants, pen-and-paper examinations would result in delayed outcomes and increase the likelihood of information leaks. In the updated framework, even colleges and universities could serve as examination centers, with question papers uploaded mere minutes prior to the test to guarantee security.
EXAM SCALE AND RECRUITMENT
Emphasizing the extensive operations of the SSC, Gopalakrishnan noted that nearly two crore candidates take these exams each year, with as many as 60 lakh individuals participating in significant tests. On average, 15 to 16 major examinations are held annually, culminating in approximately 1.5 lakh appointments.
