In a decisive move to uphold the sanctity of its examinations, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP), commonly known as the UP Board, has disqualified a staggering 769 schools from serving as examination centres for the crucial 2026 High School (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) board exams. This sweeping action is part of a rigorous review process targeting institutions with a history of irregularities and poor performance.
Two-Tier Ban: Debarred and Prohibited Centres
The board's crackdown categorises the affected schools into two distinct groups. Firstly, 254 institutions have been formally debarred due to their direct involvement in various exam-related malpractices during the 2025 board exams or in earlier years. Among these, 49 schools were specifically flagged for irregularities committed in the 2025 exams alone.
Secondly, a larger group of 515 schools has been outright prohibited from even being considered as potential exam centres. This pre-emptive disqualification was applied before the online centre allocation process could begin at the board level, effectively barring these schools from the system entirely.
District-Wise Impact and Prayagraj's Share
The distribution of the banned centres reveals significant regional concentrations. Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh highlighted that Etah district accounts for 130 of the 515 prohibited institutions, indicating a particularly severe problem zone. In the debarred list, Prayagraj district features prominently, with 12 of the 49 schools flagged for 2025 irregularities located there.
Within Prayagraj, the board has imposed varying degrees of punishment. Two colleges have been permanently barred from hosting any exams in 2026. These are Surajdin Bhagwandin Yadav Inter College in Pachedwara, Athramapur, and Swargiya Indrani Devi Shukla Inter College in Bhusalpur Pipri. The remaining ten institutions from the district face a three-year ban.
Systemic Reforms and Broader Implications
This stringent action is not an isolated event but part of a broader reform agenda. The board has dispatched the complete lists of both debarred and restricted schools to all District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS) across Uttar Pradesh for strict enforcement. Officials also noted that 208 government secondary schools, which previously appeared on centre lists but were later removed at the district level, have now been proactively barred by the board to prevent any future inclusion.
The move directly impacts the examination ecosystem for over 5 million students expected to register for the 2026 UP Board exams. It aligns with ongoing policy shifts to prioritise schools equipped with CCTV surveillance and proper infrastructure for centre allocation. The overarching goal is to create a fair, transparent, and credible testing environment, restoring public trust in one of the world's largest examination systems.
By taking such a hardline stance, the UP Board signals a zero-tolerance approach towards malpractice, aiming to deter future violations and ensure that student success is determined solely by merit and hard work.
