Server glitch disrupts SSC-GD exam

Prayagraj: Chaos erupted at a centre in Andawa on Tuesday during the SSC-GD recruitment examination after the server reportedly failed during the first shift. The exam was scheduled for three shifts, but soon after the first shift began at 10am, the computer server went down, triggering protests among candidates at Sunita Singh Sita Singh Mahavidyalaya. About 450 of the 600 candidates allotted for the shift were present at the centre. Angry aspirants allegedly damaged computers, chairs and other furniture and raised slogans. The situation escalated when candidates blocked the Prayagraj-Varanasi highway around 11:35 am. Police later dispersed the protesters and restored traffic after nearly half an hour. Sarayinayat police said an investigation was launched and those involved in vandalism would face legal action. Officials also confirmed that Tuesday’s examination at the centre was cancelled. SSC regional director, Ashish Srivastava, told TOI that the re-examination would be conducted at the same centre and the fresh date would be announced later. He appealed to candidates to maintain peace.