The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is introducing major changes in its examination process following widespread criticism and technical glitches during the exams held between July 24 and August 1, 2025. In an interview, SSC Chairman S Gopalakrishnan confirmed that the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam will now be conducted in a single shift with exam centres allotted within a 100 km radius of candidates’ locations.
Why the Change Was Needed
The SSC faced massive backlash after candidates reported:
- Computer malfunctions and faulty hardware,
- Delayed Aadhaar verification,
- Far-off exam centre allotments, sometimes up to 500 km away.
These issues forced the postponement of the CGL exam to September 2025.
Gopalakrishnan admitted that the problems arose after SSC overhauled its examination process in July, but assured students that corrective measures have now been implemented.
New Normalisation Formula
One of the major reforms is a new method of score normalisation.
- Until June 2025, SSC followed the older formula.
- From July onwards, a shift-wise normalisation system is in place.
- If one exam shift is tougher and another easier, candidates will now be evaluated only within their respective shift, ensuring fairness.
For the Tier 2 exam, all candidates will appear in a single shift using advanced technology.
Four Agencies to Handle Responsibilities
Previously, a single agency managed both exam conduct and question preparation. Now, SSC has divided the responsibilities among four specialised agencies:
- Exam centres management
- Security and monitoring
- Application processing
- Question content creation
SSC itself will oversee the question paper pattern to ensure consistency.
Aadhaar Verification and Security
To curb impersonation and malpractice, Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory at every stage—from application to joining.
Although OTP delays caused problems in July, Gopalakrishnan assured that the system has now stabilised. Aadhaar-based verification also guarantees question paper confidentiality and prevents leaks.
Additionally, SSC has introduced real-time monitoring technology for private centres, replacing outdated systems that previously caused disruptions.
Exam Centres to Be Closer to Candidates
Addressing student complaints about centres allotted hundreds of kilometres away, SSC confirmed:
- 80% of candidates are now allotted centres based on their preferences.
- This figure will increase to over 90% from the CGL exam onwards.
- The maximum distance for any candidate will be capped at 100 km.
No Return to Pen-and-Paper Mode
When asked if SSC would return to pen-and-paper exams, Gopalakrishnan firmly denied the possibility.
- SSC conducts exams for nearly 2 crore candidates every year.
- Computer-Based Tests (CBT) ensure faster results, better security, and lower malpractice risks.
- New technology allows exams to be conducted even in colleges and universities, with question papers delivered digitally just minutes before the exam.
The Scale of SSC Exams
Highlighting the size of SSC recruitment:
- Around 2 crore candidates appear annually.
- Major exams attract 50–60 lakh candidates each.
- SSC conducts 15–16 main exams every year, leading to nearly 1.5 lakh appointments.