A scandal has erupted in Spain over the results of the exam for future social service employees. Unusually high scores recorded in A Coruña have cast doubt on the fairness of the process and sparked an outcry among participants. The situation has impacted thousands of families, as it concerns access to stable employment and trust in public competitions.
In September, 23,000 people from across the country took the administrative position exam in the social security system. However, it was in A Coruña where 34 participants achieved the top theoretical results, and seven of them answered all 70 questions without a single mistake. Among the high scorers were relatives and friends, further fueling suspicions of possible collusion.
Unusual coincidences
Two candidates with the same last name received identical scores down to the decimal. Two others, presumably brothers, surprised everyone: one achieved the maximum possible score, while the other managed to win two more state job competitions in just a year. Of the top 50 final scores, half were from A Coruña, which participants called a statistical miracle.
Complaints were filed with the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. After an internal review, officials admitted to finding signs of possible violations. The case was sent to the prosecutor’s office, and some participants launched their own investigations, analyzing lists and connections among the winners.
Suspicions and technology
Discontent is growing among the unsuccessful candidates. One of them, a resident of Andalusia, remarked that the exam was difficult and that the perfect scores achieved in A Coruña seemed unbelievable. He appealed to the ombudsman, insisting that the process should have been halted until the review was completed. Another participant from Madrid discovered that some of the winners had no relevant background, were taking such tests for the first time, but still managed to tackle the most challenging questions.
The A Coruña prosecutor’s office has confirmed that an investigation has begun. The main theory is the use of electronic devices to receive answers from outside. Complaints mention a resident of Vigo who allegedly helped certain candidates circumvent the rules. Meanwhile, the ministry insists that all officials and contractors acted strictly according to the regulations and that there were no leaks of exam materials.
Reaction and consequences
The exam was held simultaneously in ten cities and included both theoretical and practical sections. After the results were published, reports emerged in A Coruña about possible use of new technologies for fraud. Nevertheless, the allocation process was not paused: the ministry found no legal grounds for such an action and published the final list of winners.
Authorities have promised to strengthen oversight for future exams to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Disappointment prevails among participants: many believe that suspicious winners took the top spots while honest candidates were left with nothing. Chats and groups are buzzing with rumors of answer sales and paid help, further undermining trust in the system.
Context and Similar Cases
In recent years, controversies over the transparency of government exams have already arisen in Spain. In 2024, a similar incident occurred in Sevilla, where an investigation was launched following unusually high results. At that time, authorities tightened security measures, but new technologies continue to pose risks. Such stories spark public debate and require ongoing revision of procedures to preserve trust in state competitions and ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
