On the first day of the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UP TET) 2026, authorities arrested 15 impersonators as part of a major cheating racket bust. The test, held on July 2, saw approximately 6.84 lakh candidates appear across the state. The arrests were made by a special task force that had been monitoring suspicious activities in examination centers.
Details of the Racket
According to officials, the impersonators were caught at various centers in districts including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Allahabad. They were allegedly paid by candidates to take the test on their behalf. The racket was uncovered after a tip-off led to a coordinated raid by the Uttar Pradesh Police and the Examination Regulatory Authority.
“We have arrested 15 individuals who were impersonating genuine candidates. Investigations are ongoing to identify the masterminds behind this operation,” said a senior police officer involved in the operation. The impersonators were found using fake admit cards and identification documents.
Impact on the Examination
The UP TET is a crucial exam for aspiring teachers in the state, with over 6.84 lakh candidates registered for the first day. The examination was conducted in two shifts, and authorities have assured that the integrity of the test was maintained despite the incident. Additional security measures, including CCTV surveillance and frisking, were implemented at all centers.
“We have zero tolerance for cheating. The arrested individuals will face legal action, and the candidates who hired them will also be identified and penalized,” stated an official from the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board.
Previous Incidents and Measures
This is not the first time cheating has been reported in UP TET. In previous years, similar rackets were busted, leading to stricter protocols. The state government has introduced biometric verification and real-time monitoring to prevent such malpractices. However, the scale of the current operation highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring fair examinations.
Next Steps
The investigation is now focused on tracing the network of intermediaries who facilitated the impersonation. Meanwhile, the remaining days of the UP TET will proceed as scheduled, with enhanced vigilance. Candidates are advised to report any suspicious activity to the helpline numbers provided by the examination authorities.
