LUCKNOW: Following one of the largest paper leak scandals in police recruitment this February, the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment & Promotion Board (UPPRPB) is set to re-conduct its major recruitment drive for constables. This drive will see 48 lakh aspirants vying for 60,244 constable positions.
The board has announced that the written re-examination for direct recruitment of constables in the civil police will be held from August 23-25 and August 30-31, with two shifts each day. Approximately 4.8 lakh candidates will appear in each shift.
The UP Police and the Special Task Force (STF) will monitor 1,541 individuals involved in examination malpractice over the past decade.
A total of 1,174 examination centers have been established across 67 districts, with Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) and Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) serving as nodal officers.
The re-examination was announced after the previous test in February was canceled due to a question paper leak.
Over 400 people have been arrested nationwide in connection with the paper leak so far.
Rajeev Krishna, Chairman of UPPRPB, stated that only government and government-aided schools have been selected as examination centers to ensure the integrity of the process.
“Total 1,174 centers across urban areas will host the examination for 48 lakh candidates over five days. Each district has been assigned two nodal officers (ADM and ASP), while observers from SP, ASP, and DSP ranks will be present at each center,” he said.
Krishna said that maintaining ‘information security’ is a top priority and all security concerns have been addressed.
The officer also mentioned that the board has completed Aadhaar verification for all 48 lakh candidates. “At least 20,000 students were found suspicious. They will need to arrive at the center 150 minutes before the scheduled examination time for additional verification. All such students will undergo scrutiny after they qualify the written examination,” he added.
To further prevent fraud, e-KYC systems will be available at examination centers for additional scrutiny, and candidates will be subjected to post-exam verification.
The board has issued warnings about fraud and scam networks operating on platforms like Telegram and has collaborated with the STF and police for necessary action. Alerts have been posted on the board’s website and social media to keep candidates informed and cautious. CCTV cameras and jammers will be used at each examination center to minimize the chances of foul play.
“Up to 81 exam centers are located in the Lucknow police commissionerate, followed by Varanasi with 80 centers,” the officer said. To maintain order, examination centers have been categorized into three types based on the number of candidates: 960, 720, and 480, with smaller centers for fewer candidates.
Candidates will be provided free bus rides on UPSRTC buses upon showing their admit cards. In response to candidate feedback, 17,000 wall clocks have been installed in examination rooms to assist with time management. Candidates will also receive an additional five minutes to complete their OMR sheets.
