SSC issues new rules against tampering with computers at exam centres

The Staff Selection Commission, or SSC, has issued an important advisory for candidates appearing in computer based recruitment exams and for staff posted at exam centres. It has placed a complete ban on certain actions involving the computer systems installed at exam centres. Neither candidates nor exam staff will now be able to restart, shut down or change a system on their own during an exam. Any such action will require permission from authorised exam staff and must follow a set process.

The Commission said that in some recent exams, cases had come up where candidates, either on their own or with help from exam staff, restarted, changed or otherwise tried to tamper with computer systems even when there was no technical problem. The Commission concluded that such actions could affect the exam and its fairness.

Under the new advisory, a candidate at an exam centre will not be able to restart or shut down a computer system on their own. Changing the computer or monitor is also barred. Even if such a process becomes necessary, it can only be carried out by authorised exam staff as per set rules. Candidates will not be allowed to make any change to the system on their own.

If a technical problem occurs in the computer before the exam begins or during the paper, the candidate should not try to fix the system themselves. In such a situation, they must immediately inform the centre staff, invigilator or exam staff about the problem. The exam centre staff will then check the technical issue and take further action as required. No step in this entire process will be taken without the permission of an authorised representative of the regional office, the investigating officer or the centre coordinator.

The SSC has made it clear that if any candidate or exam staff is found tampering with a computer system without permission, action will be taken against them as per the written rules. This action will be based on the rules applicable to that particular exam and the conditions given in the relevant exam notice. The Commission has directed candidates and exam staff to avoid unnecessary tampering with computer systems and exam related equipment.