r/Afterquerry

AfterQuery Project Pluto (Bash/Linux) assessment - blocked with "must be assigned to Pluto project" - need help

I'm applying for Software Engineer (Project Pluto) at AfterQuery (Terminal-Bench task submission). I built the task, validated locally (oracle 100%, nop 0%), zipped only the 6 required files - but the portal Quality check keeps failing.

Error from the site (screenshot attached):

{"error":"Access denied. You must be assigned to the Pluto project."}

Also shows: HTTP error! status: 403

What works:

• Upload step accepts my zip (pravin-mishra-05-31-2026.zip, ~3 KB, correct flat structure)
• Local tb run --agent oracle and nop both pass

What fails:

• Quality tab - 403 every time
• Same 403 on a plain .txt and a tiny test zip → not my task content, looks like account/project assignment

Already tried:

• Log out / log in (same email as application)
• Incognito, no VPN, ad blocker off
• Re-upload from https://experts.afterquery.com/assessments/swe-linux-bash
• My question for anyone who finished this assessment:

1. Did you see this Pluto project assignment error?
2. Did you need a separate invite / approval before Quality + Test ran?
3. Is there a support email or Discord that actually responds?
4. Can you still complete if Quality fails but Test runs?

I don't want to lose the application over a backend permission flag if the task itself is fine.

Portal says I'm not assigned to Pluto project - not a zip/task issue. Looking for others in the same boat or how you got unblocked.

Thanks - will update if support replies.

https://preview.redd.it/ooheb0yvpz4h1.png?width=3442&format=png&auto=webp&s=e6d382f1ee8aee7b98455c9be4695efe5323f881

https://preview.redd.it/2063a2yvpz4h1.png?width=2580&format=png&auto=webp&s=ce1f7c17b370455542b1863bb50c6e012b4c524e

Here’s an unofficial orientation post.

Welcome to AfterQuery (if you’ve been hired), grab a seat and familiarise yourself with the site (add your payment information, Stripe is recommended).
Most people are generalists, the only known active task (what your friend that referred you told you about that made them money) is Rewrite.
Rewrite is a writing domain task, you need actual writing skills to thrive here, and the use of AI is prohibited 🚫.
Rewrite tasks give you the original prompt, and your job is to reword it in natural human-sounding language while keeping every single requirement, name, number and constraint exactly intact.
Please do not take up tasks you’re unskilled in, do what you’re confident in.
To assure your success in the trial stage, study the project-specific guidelines and apply accordingly.
Many people need to understand that this isn’t a full-time job, we’re all contract workers, any flow of jobs that come in is first come, first served, if you miss it, come back next time and try to stay alert, there’s no playbook.
Please stop sending “Project Rewrite” back to back and wait for updates on the Slack, the team leads post updates there if there are any.
If there are no available tasks, you’d see zero like everybody else, there is nothing wrong with your account.
If you’ve failed the trial stage, sorry, you didn’t make the cut, hopefully another project becomes available and you pass.
If you’ve passed, congrats, you can now earn from the project.