'Paper leak' prompts Uttar Pradesh police recruitment exam cancellation; re-test scheduled within 6 months

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to cancel the statewide police constable recruitment examination held on February 17 and 18 due to alleged paper leaks, announced Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday.

Conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board, the exam cancellation comes following suspicions of paper leak.

In a statement on X platform, CM Adityanath disclosed that the state government has mandated a re-examination within the next six months for the affected candidates.

#UPCM @myogiadityanath ने @Uppolice आरक्षी नागरिक पुलिस के पदों पर चयन के लिए आयोजित परीक्षा को निरस्त करने तथा आगामी 06 माह के भीतर ही दोबारा परीक्षा कराने के आदेश दिए हैं।

मुख्यमंत्री जी ने कहा है कि परीक्षाओं की शुचिता से कोई समझौता नहीं किया जा सकता। युवाओं की मेहनत के साथ…

— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) February 24, 2024

"UP Police constable civil police exams 2023 stands cancelled, with directives issued for its re-conduct within the next 6 months..." stated Yogi.

He affirmed that stringent measures would be taken against any individuals found complicit in the purported paper leak, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of examinations.

"The integrity of exams cannot be compromised. Those undermining the efforts of our youth will face severe consequences. Stringent action will be taken against such perpetrators," added the UP CM.

Furthermore, the UP government has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities and misconduct in the Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (RO/ARO) examination, distinct from the leaked paper issue.

"Aspiring candidates can file complaints at @secyappoint@nic.in until February 27. Additionally, the Police Recruitment Board is probing alleged irregularities in the constable recruitment exam," the directive stated.

Previously, on February 19, Akhilesh Yadav criticized the BJP-led UP government for its failure to prevent paper leaks.

Amidst allegations of the UP Police exam leak, the government asserts procedural integrity. However, opposition figures challenge this stance.

"If the process is indeed fair, the government should pledge that all candidates scoring 100% will be eligible for the job, regardless of quantity. Many candidates have familial associations, affecting millions. This exam fraud impacts 2.5 crore people, and they will vote against the BJP," remarked Akhilesh Yadav.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the BJP, highlighting the unrest among youth over the alleged paper leak.

Meanwhile, hundreds of exam candidates gathered in Lucknow's Eco Garden, staging protests and demanding a re-examination. Following the cancellation announcement, protesters celebrated their demands being met.

Earlier, on Monday, the UP police recruitment and promotion board had initiated an internal investigation into the alleged paper leaks and the circulation of question papers and answer sheets on social media platforms.

(With input from ANI)