The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) reported the arrest of nine individuals and the registration of 12 first information reports (FIRs) over three days during the constable recruitment examination. The arrests were made for impersonation, use of forged documents, and dissemination of misleading content.
Examination Overview
The written examination for direct recruitment of constables (civil police and equivalent posts) for 2025 concluded on Wednesday. Over 21.9 lakh candidates appeared at 1,183 centers across all 75 districts of the state. The board stated that stringent surveillance and real-time monitoring helped detect multiple attempts to compromise the exam's integrity.
“So far, 12 cases have been registered and nine accused arrested. Strict action is being taken in all instances,” an official said.
Major Incidents
- Gautam Budh Nagar: A candidate named Ankit Kumar from Etah was booked at Dadri police station after being caught using a forged Aadhaar card during e-KYC verification at an examination center.
- Aligarh: At DAV Girls Inter College, a candidate from Bulandshahr was found impersonating another applicant using fake identity documents. He was arrested and booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination Act, 2024.
- Kanpur: A candidate from Jaunpur was detained during verification at a center on Mall Road on suspicion of using forged documents. Police confirmed legal action was underway after document verification.
Social Media Crackdown
Authorities widened the crackdown to include social media platforms after receiving complaints about misleading information being circulated about the examination. Separate FIRs were registered at Hussainganj police station in Lucknow against operators of YouTube and Instagram accounts accused of spreading false or misleading content related to the recruitment drive. Police invoked relevant sections of the BNS, the Information Technology Act, 2008, and provisions of the UP Public Examination Act in these cases.
Fair Conduct Despite Violations
Despite these violations, the board maintained that the exam—one of the largest recruitment exercises in the country—was conducted in a “fair and peaceful manner.” A total of 28.86 lakh candidates had applied, including around 19.6 lakh men and 9.24 lakh women. Of these, 21.92 lakh candidates appeared, recording an attendance of 75.94%. Officials credited biometric verification, e-KYC authentication, CCTV surveillance, and strengthened cyber monitoring for ensuring transparency and preventing large-scale malpractice.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
The board reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards cheating and misinformation. “Any attempt to use unfair means or mislead candidates will invite strict legal action,” an official said. The arrests and cases, officials added, underline both the scale of the challenge and the effectiveness of enhanced monitoring systems in safeguarding the integrity of the recruitment process.
