The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) General Duty (GD) examination in Kanpur faced significant disruption on Monday after a large number of candidates arrived at a centre with insufficient capacity. The incident occurred at Shrimati Ramkali Iqbal Bahadur Online Centre in Purwamir, under the Maharajpur police station area, during the second shift of the examination.
Overcrowding Leads to Chaos
The examination centre had a capacity of 399 seats per shift, but 819 candidates were called for the first shift alone. As candidates arrived, the number far exceeded the available seating, leading to confusion and protests. Initially, 350 candidates were seated after verification, but as more candidates continued to arrive, disorder ensued. The centre in-charge attempted to calm the situation and conducted a count, which revealed a total of 819 candidates, including those seated inside and those waiting outside with valid admit cards.
Police and Administration Respond
Upon receiving reports of the unrest, local police and administrative officials rushed to the spot. DCP (East) Satyajit Gupta addressed the media, stating that misleading information about disturbances was being circulated on social media. He clarified that the situation was brought under control peacefully. The DCP explained that the college management had indicated a capacity of approximately 399 candidates per shift, but admit cards were issued for about 819 candidates per shift, leading to the overcrowding.
Many candidates had traveled from distant districts and were forced to wait, causing resentment. Officials held talks with the candidates to pacify them and assured them that the matter would be resolved.
Examination Cancelled
After discussions with senior SSC officials and the examination conducting agency, both shifts of the examination scheduled for Monday were cancelled. Candidates were informed that the new examination date would be communicated via email and the official SSC website. Additionally, candidates raised concerns about travel expenses incurred, and officials stated that necessary correspondence would be made after informing concerned authorities.
Official Clarification
DCP Gupta emphasized that the situation was completely peaceful and law and order remained normal throughout. He urged the public not to believe unverified reports on social media. The SSC GD examination is a crucial recruitment process for constable positions in various central armed police forces, and the cancellation has caused inconvenience to thousands of aspirants.
Authorities are working to reschedule the examination and ensure such incidents are avoided in the future. Candidates are advised to check the official SSC website for updates.
