The Uttar Pradesh government has taken the drastic step of cancelling the state's assistant professor recruitment examination following confirmed reports of large-scale irregularities and a question paper leak. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued the cancellation order after an official inquiry substantiated the malpractice, impacting over a lakh of aspirants.
Investigation Uncovers Systemic Fraud
The examination, conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) on April 16-17, 2024, was for 1,017 posts in government-aided degree colleges. Suspicious arose when the UP Special Task Force (STF), overseeing exam security, gathered intelligence about potential rigging. This led to a confidential probe ordered by the Chief Minister.
The investigation reached a critical point on April 20, 2025, when the STF arrested three individuals: Mehboob Ali, Baijnath Pal, and Vinay Pal. They were accused of rigging the examination and engaging in illegal extortion. An FIR was subsequently filed at Lucknow's Vibhuti Khand police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Confidential Assistant at the Heart of the Scam
A significant development in the case was the revelation that one of the accused, Mehboob Ali, worked as the confidential assistant to the then UPESSC chairperson, Prof Kirti Pandey. To ensure a fair investigation, Prof Pandey was asked to resign from her position.
During interrogation, Mehboob Ali allegedly confessed to accessing question papers for various subjects during the moderation process. He then supplied these papers to candidates in exchange for money. A government spokesperson stated that Ali's confession was corroborated by the STF through a detailed investigation and forensic data analysis.
Data Analysis Confirms Widespread Compromise
The probe expanded after analysis of the mobile data from the accused and associated candidates identified additional suspects. The UPESSC was directed to provide data related to these suspected candidates. Cross-verification of this data conclusively proved that the sanctity of the examination had been compromised.
The spokesperson emphasized that the decision to cancel the exam was taken to protect the interests and future of genuine candidates. The government has assured strict action against all individuals involved in the malpractice.
New Leadership and a Fresh Start
In the aftermath, the state government appointed former DGP Prashant Kumar as the new chairperson of UPESSC on December 17, 2024, replacing Prof Pandey. Chief Minister Adityanath has directed the commission to swiftly announce new dates for the re-conducted examination and to implement robust measures to ensure the recruitment process is fair, transparent, and beyond reproach.
The cancellation affects a substantial number of applicants, with approximately 1.14 lakh candidates having applied for the coveted posts. The state administration now faces the challenge of restoring faith in its public recruitment system while delivering justice in this high-profile case.
