In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of its recruitment process, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has permanently debarred four candidates for engaging in fraudulent activities during the Assistant Teacher, Trained Graduate Category (Male/Female Branch) (Primary) Exam–2025. The action, taken under the stringent Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, signals the commission's zero-tolerance stance towards any form of malpractice.
Details of the Examination Frauds
The malpractices were detected during the examinations held on December 6 and 7, 2024, at various centers across the state. According to Controller of Examination, UPPSC, Harsh Dev Pandey, such misconduct constitutes a cognisable offence, punishable under the law. Despite repeated warnings, the commission identified several violations.
On December 6, during the second shift of the Hindi paper at a Kanpur centre, an impersonation case was uncovered. Amar Raj Sonkar was caught appearing for the exam on behalf of the registered candidate, Santosh Kumar. An FIR was immediately registered at the local police station.
The very next day, at another Kanpur centre during the Science exam, candidate Ritu Srivastava was found in possession of a mobile phone, a serious breach of exam rules, leading to another FIR.
Prayagraj Incidents and Legal Action
Two more cases emerged from Prayagraj. On December 7, during the Sanskrit exam, candidate Rasna Singh faced discrepancies during online identity verification, raising suspicions about the authenticity of submitted documents. A case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Another impersonation attempt was foiled in Prayagraj on December 6 during the Mathematics paper. Pramod Kumar Podwar was apprehended while fraudulently taking the exam in place of the registered candidate, Pravesh Kumar.
Strict Consequences and Wider Enforcement
The UPPSC has imposed the harshest penalties on the guilty candidates. The commission cancelled their candidature and permanently debarred them from all future exams and selection processes conducted by UPPSC, effective from December 17, 2024.
To ensure the enforcement of this order is widespread, copies of the debarment directives have been sent to the UPPSC itself and other state public service commissions. This step aims to prevent the individuals from attempting to subvert the system elsewhere.
This crackdown underscores the commission's firm commitment to maintaining the sanctity, transparency, and credibility of public examinations in Uttar Pradesh. It serves as a stern warning to any candidate contemplating unfair means, highlighting that the legal and administrative repercussions will be severe and lasting.
