Published: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
SSC Chairman Assures Smooth CGL 2025 Conduct After Technical Overhaul
Staff Selection Commission Chairman S. Gopalakrishnan addressed widespread concerns about recent recruitment examination irregularities, assuring candidates that ongoing technical and operational glitches are being resolved. The upcoming Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam, scheduled for mid-September, is expected to run smoothly under the Commission's new examination system designed for greater transparency and fairness.
Addressing Recent Examination Issues
The chairman's assurance follows widespread complaints from candidates and coaching institutes regarding the Selection Posts/Phase 12 exams held between July 24 and August 2, 2025. Approximately 5.5 lakh candidates appeared for these examinations, with aspirants alleging problems including repeated technical breakdowns and being allotted centres located hundreds of kilometres from their homes.
While most centres functioned smoothly, the test was cancelled at two venues on July 24 and later rescheduled. Following detailed system log analysis, SSC identified nearly 59,000 affected candidates and scheduled three additional shifts on August 29 to ensure fairness. The computer-based tests for stenographer posts conducted from August 6-8 were completed without disruption, demonstrating that corrective measures are taking effect.
Multi-Agency Reform Implementation
Since July 2025, the Commission has shifted to a multi-agency model for conducting exams, following a Supreme Court directive. Unlike the previous system, where TCS handled everything from setting questions to conducting exams, responsibilities are now divided between content providers, exam conducting agencies, IT security teams, and monitoring bodies.
This transition led to initial challenges, including glitches in the digital question vault, causing duplication of questions and answer options during the first phase of tests. Gopalakrishnan confirmed these bugs have been fixed, with candidates protected through the question challenge system and equi-percentile normalisation.
Enhanced Security and Centre Allocation
To strengthen IT security and prevent hacking attempts, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) has been integrated into the system. The SSC chief noted that many cyber threats often emerge from "private test centres working in connivance with external actors," making robust security integration essential.
Regarding distant exam center concerns, Gopalakrishnan explained that the new agency, Eduquity, initially faced capacity issues compared to the previous agency, TCS, resulting in some candidates being allotted distant centres. The problem has since been addressed, with 80% of stenographer exam aspirants allotted centres in their chosen cities.
IIT Hyderabad Launches VLSI Chip Design Certificate Program
The Centre for Continuing Education at IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with TCS iON, has opened registration for an online certification program in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Chip Design. The comprehensive program addresses the growing demand for skilled semiconductor professionals and offers both foundational concepts and advanced competencies for future-ready careers.
Program Structure and Investment
The 45-hour certification program is priced at ₹14,160, with registration closing on September 30 and classes commencing on October 8. The program concludes on November 29, providing intensive learning over approximately seven weeks. An optional one-week bootcamp is available for ₹9,440 additional cost, offering immersive lab training at the IIT Hyderabad campus.
The program is led by distinguished IIT Hyderabad faculty members, including Professor Ashudeb Dutta (EE), Dr. C.H. Gajendranath Chaudhury (EE), Dr. Abhishek Kumar (EE), Dr. Rajesh Kedia (CSE), and Dr. Kapil Jainwal (EE), ensuring high-quality academic delivery.
Target Audience and Learning Outcomes
The program caters to a diverse range of learners, including freshers and current bachelor's or master's degree students in electronics or related fields, junior and mid-career professionals seeking accelerated career growth, and individuals interested in VLSI domain research or entrepreneurship.
Participants gain hands-on experience with industry-grade Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools such as Cadence and LTspice. The program includes over 40 hours of experiential learning through live interactive sessions, mentorship, career guidance, and real-world projects in both digital and analogue chip design, positioning it as a comprehensive launchpad for VLSI sector careers.
Andhra Pradesh Expands IIT-NEET Coaching for SC/ST Students
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the establishment of seven new IIT-NEET coaching centres across the state to support 1,411 SC and ST students. The announcement came during a meeting with 55 SC and ST students from state-run social welfare residential schools who secured admissions in IITs, NITs, and through NEET this year.
Student Achievement Recognition
Out of 356 students trained at existing Dr B.R. Ambedkar IIT-NEET centres in Kurnool, NTR, and Guntur districts, 129 qualified in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and 143 cleared NEET. Among these achievers, 12 secured seats in IITs, 30 in NITs, and 13 gained admission to MBBS programs through NEET, including 20 girls.
An additional 14 students are expected to secure BDS seats, while 19 others have already been admitted to Government-Funded Technical Institutions (GFTIs) and central universities. The Chief Minister handed over mementoes and cheques of ₹1 lakh each to the 55 successful students, totalling ₹55 lakh.
Future Expansion and Targets
Naidu has set an ambitious target to quadruple the number of qualifiers in the coming year, emphasising the importance of providing quality training facilities and mentoring students from financially weaker backgrounds. The government plans to continue strengthening social welfare institutions to nurture talent and increase opportunities for marginalised communities.
The Chief Minister urged students to stay determined, excel in higher education, and bring recognition to the state and nation while encouraging successful candidates to motivate and inspire others in their alma mater to pursue similar goals.
AIIMS Gorakhpur Approves Comprehensive Medical Program Expansion
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, approved multiple new academic programs during the eighth meeting of its Standing Academic Committee, chaired by Executive Director Ashoka Jahnavi Prasad. The expansion includes several first-of-their-kind programs in the country, significantly enhancing medical education and training opportunities.
Advanced Medical Training Programs
The Standing Academic Committee granted approval for DM programs in Neurology, Pain Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, and Critical Care Medicine under the Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Critical Care. Post-Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC) programs in Trauma Anaesthesia, Spine Trauma, Pelvic-Acetabular Surgery, and Adolescent Gynaecology were also sanctioned.
Additionally, a Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) in Maternal-Foetal Medicine under the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology received approval. The committee also cleared MS in Trauma Surgery under the Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, representing a significant expansion in specialised medical training.
Mental Health and Support Services Integration
Highlighting rising concerns about student suicides in educational institutions, Executive Director Prasad stressed the urgent need for sustained psychological support and preventive interventions on campus. The approval of programs like M.Sc. in Nursing Psychology aims to build a stronger mental health workforce and make psychological care more accessible to both students and the community.
The expansion also includes a PhD in Nursing and a B.Sc. in Operating Theatre Technology, providing comprehensive educational pathways across different levels of medical and healthcare education.
Strategic Implications for Indian Education and Employment
These developments collectively demonstrate India's comprehensive approach to addressing systemic challenges while expanding opportunities across educational and professional domains. The SSC's technical overhaul and multi-agency reform model represent significant improvements in government recruitment processes, potentially affecting millions of aspirants annually.
IIT Hyderabad's VLSI certification program addresses critical skill gaps in India's semiconductor sector, aligning with national priorities for technological self-reliance and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The program's industry collaboration and practical focus exemplify effective academia-industry partnerships.
Andhra Pradesh's coaching center expansion demonstrates state-level commitment to educational equity and social inclusion, with specific focus on empowering marginalized communities through quality preparation for competitive examinations. The quantifiable success metrics and ambitious future targets indicate systematic approach to bridging educational disparities.
AIIMS Gorakhpur's program expansion, particularly the emphasis on mental health support and specialised medical training, reflects evolving healthcare education needs and institutional responsiveness to contemporary challenges in medical practice and student welfare.
Together, these initiatives showcase coordinated efforts across different educational levels and sectors to enhance the quality, accessibility, and relevance of Indian education while addressing both immediate operational challenges and long-term strategic objectives.
Sources
- India Today. (2025, August 26). SSC chairman says technical glitches in recruitment exams being resolved. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/ssc-chairman-assures-smooth-conduct-of-upcoming-cgl-2025-examination-2776866-2025-08-26
- The Indian Express. (2025, August 26). IIT Hyderabad, TCS iON opens registration for certificate course in VLSI Chip Design. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/education/iit-hyderabad-tcs-ion-opens-registrations-for-certificate-course-in-vlsi-chip-design-10212656/
- India Today. (2025, August 25). 7 new IIT-Neet coaching centres announced in Andhra Pradesh for SC, ST students. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/andhra-pradesh-cm-naidu-announced-7-new-iit-neet-coaching-centres-for-sc-st-students-2776602-2025-08-25
- The Indian Express. (2025, August 26). AIIMS Gorakhpur approves new medical courses. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/education/aiims-gorakhpur-approves-new-medical-courses-10212062/
