Another Exam Fiasco: SSC GD Exam Cancelled In Kanpur After Overbooking Chaos; Angry Aspirants Protest

Chaos hit an SSC GD examination centre in Kanpur on 27 May after severe overbooking. At Shrimati Ramkali Iqbal Bahadur Online Centre in Purwamir, Maharajpur police station area, three times more candidates arrived than the facility could handle. Commotion on the streets followed, and both scheduled shifts were eventually cancelled, leaving many candidates, including those travelling from distant districts, frustrated.

Officials later confirmed that admit cards had been issued for about 819 candidates per shift, while the centre’s capacity was only 399 seats. The large gap between capacity and turnout caused congestion, delays and anger. Following discussions between local authorities, senior Staff Selection Commission officials and the examination agency, the SSC GD examination for both shifts on 27 May was cancelled.

SSC GD examination chaos and overcapacity

The Staff Selection Commission had planned the SSC GD examination in two shifts at the same Kanpur centre. The first shift was fixed from 2 pm to 3 pm, and the second from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. In each shift, the approved capacity was 399 candidates. However, 819 aspirants turned up for the first sitting alone, far exceeding the number of available computer seats.

SSC GD की परीक्षा रद्द होने पर भयंकर बवाल हो गया. युवा दूर दूर से परीक्षा सेंटर पर पहुंचे, उन्हें पता चला कि परीक्षा रद्द हो गई.

इसके बाद युवाओं का गुस्सा फूट पड़ा. pic.twitter.com/I1SDXIS9Mv

— Ranvijay Singh (@ranvijaylive) May 26, 2026

Verification work started inside the SSC GD examination centre and 350 candidates were initially accommodated. As more aspirants arrived, queues extended outside the building and tempers rose. The centre in-charge tried to calm the crowd and ordered a headcount. The total number of candidates, including those already seated and those still outside with valid admit cards, reached 819 for that first shift.

SSC GD examination police response and official statement

As reports of unrest at the SSC GD examination venue spread, police teams and administrative officers rushed to Purwamir. Candidates complained about long waits and confusion at the gate. Many said they had travelled from other districts and spent significant amounts on transport. Officials spoke with the crowd and tried to address grievances, including questions about wasted travel expenses.

In discussions with candidates, authorities said that concerns about travel expenditure would be forwarded to the relevant Staff Selection Commission officials. After the cancellation decision, officers stated that the situation had turned completely calm and that law and order remained normal in the Maharajpur area. No serious clash or damage was reported from the examination centre, despite earlier arguments and shouting.

Responding to social media posts, DCP (East) Satyajit Gupta said, "Misleading information about disturbances and unrest regarding the SSC GD Constable Recruitment Examination held on Monday is being circulated on social media. No such incident took place at the spot." The DCP added that the college informed authorities of a capacity of about 399 candidates per shift, whereas admit cards for about 819 candidates per shift were issued, creating disorder and inconvenience.

According to DCP Satyajit Gupta, local police and administrative officials held talks with candidates to pacify them after the overload emerged. Following consultations with senior SSC officials and the exam conducting agency, both 27 May shifts of the SSC GD examination were cancelled. Candidates were told that fresh dates would be shared later through e-mail and the official website, and many now wait for that revised schedule.

Congress Targets BJP Government Over Exam Mismanagement

The controversy soon entered the political arena after the Congress party criticised the government over the incident through a post on social media platform X. The party shared emotional reactions from students and accused the administration of repeatedly failing to conduct examinations smoothly.

हम परीक्षा के लिए सुबह 4:30 बजे से निकले हैं, बहुत प्रेशर है, लेकिन इन लोगों को कोई मतलब नहीं है।

- SSC GD की परीक्षा कैंसिल होने की खबर सुनते ही एक छात्रा फूट-फूटकर रोने लगी।

छात्रों का कहना है कि पेपर लीक के कारण परीक्षा रद्द हुई है। एग्जाम सेंटर पर पहुंचने के बाद कहा गया-… pic.twitter.com/LnsSt6vanR

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 26, 2026

According to the post, one female candidate reportedly broke down in tears after learning about the cancellation. The Congress statement claimed students had left home early in the morning under immense pressure, only to be told later that the examination would not take place. The party also referred to recent controversies surrounding other examinations such as NEET and alleged growing irregularities in recruitment tests.

Rumours Of Paper Leak Add To Confusion

Some students reportedly claimed that the examination was cancelled because of a possible paper leak. However, officials have not confirmed any paper leak at this stage. Authorities currently maintain that the cancellation was linked to overcrowding and seating mismanagement at the examination centre. No official statement has yet indicated that the question paper itself was compromised. Still, the rumours quickly spread among candidates gathered outside the centre, increasing panic and frustration.