Inside the SSC Exam Cheating Racket: How Remote Desktop Fraud Works
August 11, 2025In a recent crackdown by the investigation agencies, a Haldwani hotel has exposed an SSC exam cheating racket that exploited remote desktop technology to manipulate computer-based exams.
Nine individuals were apprehended in Haldwani for allegedly attempting to manipulate SSC online exams.
“They planned to use remote desktop software to solve questions for candidates and charged INR 4 lakh for each candidate”, said the investigating officer, Haldwani.
He further added, “We have seized their laptops, mobile phones, Wi-Fi dongles and other electronic equipment in a raid”. The accused were operating from a hotel in Talli Bamori, where they planned to link exam centre systems to a remote setup controlled by an IT expert in Delhi”.
This group used the remote access software to take control of candidate terminals during exams from 26th July to 1st August.
The officer further added, “We found that this gang collected admit cards through WhatsApp, assigned solvers to sit at exam centres and remotely answered questions in real time. Our team caught them before they could execute their plan”.
In the raid the police recovered the remote access software and digital gadgets used for cheating. An FIR has been registered at Haldwani Police Station under BNS Sections 318 (4), 319 (2) and 3 (5) and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
All the digital equipment seized is sent for forensic analysis.
Details of the Accused
Parvinder Singh and Sunil Kumar confessed of devising the plan to repay personal debts. Both these accused leased the Gyankosh Digital Library in Manpur West, Haldwani, from a Dehradun-based owner to run the operation.
The Delhi-based paper solvers were to access exam systems and transmit answers to candidates. The library employee, Himanshu Bisht, refused to allow unauthorized laptop installations; thus, this gang shifted their base to the hotel.
“ We arrested Ramakant Sharma, Abhishek Kumar and Shiv Singh from Hathras, Sunil Kumar and Parvinder Kumar from Baghpat, Vishal Giri from Meerut/Haridwar, Aftab Khan and Arun Kumar from Muzaffarnagar and Jasveer Singh from Rohtak”, said the SSP, Prahlad Narayan Meena.
He said, “Some posed as invigilators, others handled logistics, tech setups and payments”. This recent crackdown has raised concerns about the integrity of recruitment exams in India and the need for stricter digital invigilation measures”.
Modus Operandi Used
The modus operandi was allowing the candidates to use malware-infected computers or compromised exam centre systems, allowing the fraudsters to gain remote access to the test interface. The individuals skilled in exam subject matter were to answer the questions in real-time.
“It is a high-tech operation involving many, including candidates, centre staff and external hackers”, said a senior cybercrime official.
Staff Selection Commission Response
The SSC has assured that it is working closely with cybercrime units and technical experts to strengthen exam security. “We have integrated cutting-edge measures including advanced proctoring systems, biometric verification, network isolation and audit trails”, said the SSC spokesperson.
He also added, “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to examination processes. Candidates are warned that participation in such fraud is a criminal offence. This offence is punishable under the IT Act and relevant IPC sections”.
