According to STF officials, the racket was active during the SSC CAPF, SSF Constable GD, and Assam Rifles Rifleman Examination-2026. Investigators seized around ₹50 lakh in cash, laptops, mobile phones, and examination-related documents during the operation.
According to STF officials, the accused allegedly approached candidates through intermediaries and informal coaching networks, promising guaranteed selection in SSC recruitment examinations. Investigators claimed students were asked to pay nearly ₹4 lakh each for assistance during the online tests.
STF Raid Conducted at Greater Noida Exam Centre
The investigation began after STF units received intelligence inputs regarding organised malpractice in online examinations using technical methods. A covert inquiry reportedly led investigators to an examination centre named “Balaji Digital Zone” located in the Knowledge Park area of Greater Noida.
On May 22, STF teams conducted a raid at the examination centre and arrested seven accused individuals, including alleged mastermind Pradeep Chauhan. Others arrested were identified as Arun Kumar, Sandeep Bhati, Nishant Raghav, Amit Rana, Shakir Malik, and Vivek Kumar.
Authorities alleged that the accused had established a coordinated system to manipulate online examinations without directly hacking the official exam infrastructure.
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Proxy Servers and Screen-Sharing Apps Allegedly Used
According to the STF, the gang allegedly bypassed the company’s server systems by installing proxy servers inside the examination centre. Investigators said the accused then used “screen sharing viewer applications” to transmit examination questions to external solvers sitting outside the centre.
Police officials alleged that the external solvers completed the answers remotely and transmitted them back to candidates appearing in the examination. Investigators claimed the operation relied on technical manipulation rather than direct hacking of SSC systems.
Officials stated that candidates were allegedly charged nearly ₹4 lakh each for guaranteed assistance in clearing the examinations.
Mastermind Allegedly Running Operation for Long Time
During preliminary interrogation, investigators found that the alleged mastermind, Pradeep Chauhan, had reportedly been involved in examination fraud operations for a considerable period. STF officials alleged that he operated the “Balaji Digital Zone” examination centre where SSC online exams were conducted through Eduquity, the company associated with exam administration.
Arun Kumar, another accused, was described by investigators as the technical expert responsible for installing and managing proxy servers within the examination centre infrastructure.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing to identify additional individuals linked to the alleged cheating network and examine whether similar methods were used in other recruitment examinations.
Exam Fraud Cases Raise Cybersecurity Concerns
The case has once again highlighted concerns over vulnerabilities in computer-based recruitment examinations and the growing use of remote-access technologies in organised cheating operations. Similar incidents involving remote desktop tools and online exam manipulation have surfaced in earlier recruitment fraud investigations across multiple states.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on the use of proxy servers, screen-sharing software, and remote-access applications in cyber-enabled examination fraud cases. Investigators are expected to conduct forensic analysis of the seized digital devices and examine financial transactions linked to the alleged racket.
