A method may include classifying a text by applying a dense convolutional neural network trained to classify the text. The dense convolutional neural network may include one or more dense convolution blocks, each of which including a plurality of convolution layers. Each dense convolution block may be configured to operate on a different quantity of consecutive tokens from the text. Moreover, each of the plurality of convolution layers in a dense convolution block may operate an input to the dense convolution block as well as an output from all preceding convolution layers in the dense convolution block. The text may correspond to an issue associated with a service ticket system. A response for addressing the issue associated with the test may be determined based on the classification of the text. Related systems and articles of manufacture are also provided.