Over 7 lakh candidates take UP Police exam, five cases registered

The Uttar Pradesh Police recruitment examination witnessed a turnout of over 7.23 lakh candidates on June 8, while authorities booked several individuals and social media accounts for alleged misconduct, including attempts to spread false information and use unfair means during the test.

The examination, being conducted to fill 32,679 constable and equivalent posts, was held in two shifts across 1,183 centers located in all 75 districts of the state, according to the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB).

Official data showed that 723,540 candidates appeared for the exam out of 962,832 scheduled candidates, taking the attendance rate to 75.15%.

The large-scale recruitment exercise is spread over June 8, 9, and 10 and comprises six examination shifts. Nearly 28.87 lakh candidates have applied for the vacancies.

Given the scale of the recruitment drive, authorities deployed extensive security and monitoring mechanisms at examination centers. The authorities used surveillance through CCTV cameras, along with the presence of magistrates, supervisors, and police personnel, to oversee the process.

Before the examination began, UPPRPB Director General S B Shiradkar highlighted the logistical challenge of conducting the test for such a large number of applicants.

“Considering the large number of applicants, approximately 481,416 candidates will appear in each shift. Extensive preparations have been made by the administration, police department, and district authorities to ensure smooth conduct of the examination,” he said.

He added that special arrangements had been made to strengthen security and verify candidates during entry into examination centers.

To reduce travel expenses for applicants, the state government announced a 50% discount on UPSRTC bus fares for candidates traveling to and from examination venues upon producing their admit cards.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said the move was intended to make travel easier and lessen the financial burden on candidates.

At the same time, authorities reported multiple cases involving alleged examination-related violations.

In Lucknow, police registered a case against a Telegram channel operating under the name "UPP exam paper" for allegedly circulating misleading content linked to the examination. The case was filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Another FIR was lodged against an Instagram account named "up_police_leak" under similar legal provisions.

In a separate case, Azamgarh police booked an Instagram user identified as Ashutosh Kumar Maurya over content allegedly related to examination misinformation.

Authorities also reported incidents involving prohibited electronic devices inside examination centers.

In Hapur district's Pilkhuwa area, a candidate was allegedly caught carrying a mobile phone after officials conducted a check when he returned late from a restroom break. Police arrested the candidate and registered a case under the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination Act, 2024.

A similar incident was reported in Gorakhpur, where another candidate was allegedly found using a mobile phone during the examination. Officials said the candidate was arrested and legal proceedings were initiated.

The recruitment board said it would continue taking strict action against individuals attempting to compromise the integrity of the examination and advised candidates to ignore rumors and unverified information circulating online.