Crisis of Credibility: India's Exam System Crumbles Under Leaks and Protests

 

In a nation where millions chase government jobs through grueling exams, systemic failures are pushing aspiring youth to the streets, demanding accountability and reform before it's too late.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams have become the latest flashpoint in India's broken entrance exam system, with widespread protests erupting in Delhi over the chaotic Phase 13 tests in July 2025. Aspirants report abrupt cancellations, technical glitches like server crashes and faulty biometrics, and exam centers allocated hundreds of kilometers away, leaving students stranded and frustrated. At the heart of the outrage is Eduquity Technologies, the vendor contracted by SSC, which has a troubling history of paper leaks and mismanagement in previous exams across states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Protesters, including teachers and students, faced alleged police lathi charges during the "Delhi Chalo" march, amplifying calls for transparency and the removal of unreliable vendors.

This isn't an isolated incident—India's exam ecosystem is plagued by recurring scandals. The NEET-UG 2024 controversy saw paper leaks in Bihar, leading to arrests and the Supreme Court acknowledging breaches benefiting at least 155 students, though it ruled against a full retest. Similarly, UPSC's 2025 prelims drew ire over alleged leaks, ambiguous questions, and suspicious patterns like consecutive roll numbers qualifying, sparking petitions for judicial inquiries. Over the past seven years, more than 70 paper leaks have affected 1.7 crore aspirants nationwide, from Rajasthan's recruitment tests to Bihar's board exams, eroding trust in institutions like the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Despite the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which imposes strict penalties for leaks and malpractices—including up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹1 crore—these issues persist, highlighting enforcement gaps. Critics argue that favoring low-bid vendors over established ones like TCS prioritizes cost over credibility, fueling a cycle of corruption and corporate rivalries.

Conclusion

As India's youth battle not just exams but a flawed system, these protests signal a desperate plea for fairness. Without urgent reforms, the dreams of millions risk being crushed, leaving a generation disillusioned—it's time for the government to act decisively and restore faith in the path to opportunity.

Summary Paragraph:
India's entrance exam system is in turmoil, highlighted by massive SSC Phase 13 protests in Delhi over cancellations, technical failures, and vendor mismanagement by Eduquity Technologies in 2025, amid a broader pattern of paper leaks in NEET-UG 2024 and UPSC 2025 controversies. With over 70 leaks affecting 1.7 crore aspirants in recent years, the Public Examinations Act 2024 aims to curb unfair practices, but ongoing scandals underscore the need for transparent vendor selection and systemic reforms to protect students' futures.