Technical glitches during SSC CGL computer-based exams affect approximately 2-3% of candidates each year, according to SSC's grievance data. A screen freeze, system crash, or network failure can derail months of preparation in minutes.
This guide covers the exact protocol SSC follows when technical issues occur, your documented rights as a candidate, and step-by-step actions to protect your attempt. We'll focus specifically on handling technical problems during the exam, not general preparation strategies.
Exam Day Alert
The SSC has clear guidelines for technical disruptions, but most candidates don't know their rights until it's too late. Knowing these procedures beforehand can save your exam attempt.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
Compensatory Time
SSC provides compensatory time for all documented technical issues affecting your exam session
Benefit: Time equal to disruption duration
Immediate Reporting
Report immediately to the invigilator and ensure they log the issue in the Incident Report Register
Action: Raise hand, don't self-fix
Continue Attempting
Continue attempting the exam when the system restarts—don't panic or leave the center
Mindset: Stay focused
Documentation
Note down exact timings of the glitch and system recovery for your records
Proof: Timestamps are crucial
Re-exam Rights
You're entitled to a re-exam if the issue causes data loss or exceeds 15 minutes of disruption
Condition: Major disruptions only
Source: SSC Examination Guidelines 2024
Most Common Technical Issues in SSC CGL CBT
SSC CGL exams run on computer-based testing infrastructure across 400+ centers nationwide. Technical problems fall into five main categories that candidates typically encounter.
System Crashes (40% of issues)
Your screen goes blank, the application closes unexpectedly, or Windows restarts without warning.
Cause: Outdated hardware or power fluctuations at smaller exam centers
Slow System Performance (30% of issues)
Timer continues running while mouse clicks don't register, questions take 10-15 seconds to load.
Cause: High server load during peak hours
Network Failures (15% of issues)
"Connection Lost" or "Server Not Responding" messages despite local network setup.
Hardware Malfunctions (10% of issues)
Keys stop responding, mouse pointer jumps erratically, input devices disconnect.
Authentication Errors (5% of issues)
Admit card mismatch, fingerprint scanner failures, "Candidate Already Logged In" errors.
Step-by-Step Protocol: What to Do When Technical Issues Strike
The moment you notice any technical problem, follow this exact sequence. Time-stamped documentation is crucial for SSC's compensatory mechanisms.
Step 1: Immediate Actions (First 60 Seconds)
- Raise your hand immediately and call the invigilator without leaving your seat
- Don't attempt to fix the issue yourself or restart the system
- Note the exact time when the issue occurred on your rough sheet
- Continue attempting if screen is still visible while waiting
Step 2: Documentation Requirements
- Ensure invigilator logs complaint in Incident Report Register
- Required details: Roll number, nature of issue, start/end times
- Insist on seeing the entry before you resume
- Note workstation number and invigilator name
Step 3: System Restoration Process
- Technical team will attempt restoration (3-8 minutes typically)
- Exam application auto-saves responses every 60 seconds
- You receive compensatory time equal to disruption period
- Verify previous answers are intact when system restarts
Arjun from Delhi lost his compensatory time claim in SSC CGL 2023 because the invigilator forgot to log his system crash—he had no documentation to support his grievance. Always verify the entry is made in the Incident Report Register.
Your Official Rights as an SSC CGL Candidate
SSC's examination rules explicitly protect candidates from technical disruptions. Understanding these rights helps you advocate for yourself during stressful exam conditions.
Right to Compensatory Time
You're entitled to receive extra time equal to every minute lost due to technical issues beyond your control.
Scope: Applies whether issue lasts 2 minutes or 20 minutes
Process: Added automatically by exam software
Right to Fresh Attempt
If technical problems cause complete data loss or system remains non-functional for more than 15 minutes.
Condition: Complete data loss or 15+ minutes disruption
Timeline: Subsequent shift or within 7-10 days
Right to Grievance Filing
You can file an official complaint through SSC's online grievance portal within 24-48 hours of the exam.
Required: Incident Report number and exam details
Timeline: Review within 15-20 working days
Meera from Bangalore successfully claimed a re-exam in SSC CGL 2024 Tier-1 after her system crashed three times, causing 18 minutes of total disruption. Her Incident Report documentation was key to SSC approving her case.
What Happens If the Issue Isn't Resolved
In rare cases where technical problems persist despite multiple restoration attempts, SSC follows escalation protocols. These situations affect less than 0.5% of candidates but require specific actions from you.
Extended Disruption (15+ minutes)
- Center superintendent must mark your exam for review
- You'll be allowed to complete whatever time remains
- SSC evaluates whether to provide full re-exam
- Decision based on disruption's severity and impact
Complete Exam Cancellation
- If 30%+ candidates affected at the center
- SSC cancels that shift entirely
- All affected candidates rescheduled
- Happened at 12 centers during SSC CGL 2023 Tier-2
Post-Exam Complaints Procedure
- File grievance within 48 hours through SSC official portal
- Include Incident Report number and admit card details
- Add photographs/videos if permitted and available
- SSC reviews complaints within 15-20 working days
Preventing Technical Issues: Pre-Exam Checks
While you can't control exam center infrastructure, arriving 90 minutes early gives you time to identify and report potential issues before the exam begins.
Workstation Verification
Test keyboard, mouse, monitor clarity, and system responsiveness 30-45 minutes before exam.
Action: Request workstation change if issues found
Biometric Registration
Complete fingerprint and photograph registration during pre-exam slot.
Tip: Ensure fingers are clean and dry
System Loading Time
Exam application takes 30-60 seconds to fully load all questions initially.
Note: This is normal, not a technical glitch
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Technical Disruptions
Critical Mistakes
- Never restart the system yourself - Only authorized staff should touch computers
- Don't leave your seat without permission - Can be flagged as suspicious behavior
- Don't argue excessively with invigilators - Focus on documentation instead
Success Story
Rahul from Jaipur spent 8 minutes arguing with the center superintendent about compensatory time during his SSC CGL 2024 exam. He received the compensatory time anyway (it's automated), but lost those 8 minutes of problem-solving focus that could have improved his score.
Better Approach
If you feel your complaint isn't being handled properly, calmly insist on documentation and note down the invigilator's name and center code. File a formal grievance after the exam rather than wasting precious exam time in disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my attempted questions if the system crashes during SSC CGL exam?
No, the SSC CGL exam software auto-saves your responses every 60 seconds to the local server. When the system restarts, your previously marked answers should remain intact. However, any question you were attempting in the exact moment of the crash (but hadn't submitted yet) might be lost. Always verify your answers are saved when the system comes back online.
How much compensatory time will I get for technical issues in SSC CGL?
You receive compensatory time equal to the exact duration of the disruption, as logged in the Incident Report Register. If your system was down for 4 minutes and 30 seconds, you get an additional 4.5 minutes added to your exam timer. The exam software calculates and adds this automatically once the invigilator logs the incident.
Can I request a different exam slot if I face technical issues in SSC CGL?
Not automatically. You must complete your current exam attempt unless the technical issue makes it completely impossible (system down for 15+ minutes or total data loss). After the exam, you can file a grievance requesting a re-exam. SSC reviews these cases individually and approves re-exams only when technical disruption significantly affected your performance.
What if the invigilator refuses to log my technical issue in SSC CGL exam?
Note down the invigilator's name, center code, and your workstation number immediately. Take a photograph of your admit card and rough sheet showing the timestamp (if photography is permitted during breaks). File a detailed grievance on SSC's official portal within 24 hours, explaining that the invigilator failed to document your complaint. SSC reviews CCTV footage and system logs to verify such claims.
Are technical issues more common in certain SSC CGL exam centers?
Yes, based on PrepGrind's analysis of 800+ student reports from SSC CGL 2023-2024, tier-2 and tier-3 city centers report 40% more technical issues than metro city centers. Older hardware and inconsistent power supply are primary causes. If possible, choose exam centers in larger cities when SSC offers center selection options during registration.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared, Stay Calm
Technical issues during SSC CGL are stressful but manageable if you know the official protocols. The key is immediate reporting, proper documentation in the Incident Report Register, and understanding your right to compensatory time or re-examination.
Remember that SSC has dealt with thousands of technical disruption cases and has established fair procedures. Most issues get resolved within 5-10 minutes with appropriate compensatory time. Don't let technical glitches derail your months of preparation—stay focused on maximizing whatever exam time you have.
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