Uttar Pradesh Board Implements Stringent Measures for 2026 High School and Intermediate Examinations
The Board of Secondary Education in Uttar Pradesh has rolled out comprehensive instructions aimed at preserving the integrity and transparency of the upcoming 2026 High School and Intermediate examinations. In a formal communication dispatched to all District School Inspectors across the state, the Board has mandated strict adherence to procedural protocols concerning the handling and submission of answer sheets.
Examination Schedule and Format
The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has confirmed that the board examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 students will be conducted entirely offline. The testing period is scheduled to commence on February 18, 2026, and will conclude on March 12, 2026. According to the Board, maintaining the sanctity of answer book collection processes is paramount to upholding the institution's reputation and ensuring fair assessment practices.
Prohibited Practices and Disciplinary Actions
The Board has issued a clear directive to all examination centers, requiring them to explicitly inform candidates about prohibited behaviors during answer sheet submission. Specifically, the placement of currency notes or any other extraneous materials inside answer sheets has been strictly forbidden. This measure addresses past incidents where students, often due to misconceptions or ignorance, attached currency to their answer books.
UPMSP has emphasized that if any currency is discovered during the compilation or evaluation phases, it will be treated as an act of using unfair means. Such violations will invoke penalties under the Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The recovered currency must be deposited into the treasury as per established regulations, and the incident must be reported immediately to the District School Inspector for further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
Furthermore, the Board has clarified that room invigilators will be held accountable if such materials are traced. In such cases, the concerned invigilator will be deemed negligent in their duties and subject to departmental action, underscoring the shared responsibility in maintaining exam integrity.
Examination Shifts and Key Subject Dates
The 2026 board exams will be administered in two daily shifts across Uttar Pradesh:
- Morning Shift: 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM
On the inaugural day of the examinations, both Class 10 and Class 12 students will sit for Hindi and Elementary Hindi papers. The examination timetable includes several critical subjects on specific dates:
- February 20, 2026: Social Science for Class 10
- February 23, 2026: English for Class 10, and Mathematics or Zoology for Class 12
- February 25, 2026: Science for Class 10
- February 27, 2026: Mathematics for Class 10
Practical Examinations and Admit Card Distribution
Practical examinations for Class 12 were conducted in two phases, spanning from January 24, 2026, to February 9, 2026. Schools were required to submit any pending marks by February 13, 2026. In preparation for the written exams, schools initiated the offline distribution of admit cards in early February. Students are instructed to collect their admit cards directly from their respective schools to ensure proper verification and access.
The Board has also made the revised examination schedule and model papers available on the official UPMSP website, facilitating easy access for students, parents, and educators to stay informed and prepared.
