UP Board Exams 2026: New Measures for Fairness and Transparency

UP Board Implements Stringent Measures for Upcoming Exams

The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has introduced a series of rigorous protocols to guarantee that the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations for the academic year 2025–26 are conducted in a fair, transparent, and cheating-free environment. The board exams are set to commence on February 18, 2026, and the council is committed to upholding the integrity of one of the largest school examination systems in India.

Currently, pre-board examinations are taking place statewide, while Class 12 practical exams will be held in two phases starting January 24. In preparation for these vital assessments, UPMSP has issued new guidelines regarding student frisking, handling of answer sheets, CCTV monitoring, and the storage of practical exam materials.

Enhanced Security Checks at Exam Centers

A significant update this year involves the security protocols at examination centers. To combat cheating and the use of unfair practices, students will now undergo thorough physical checks before entering the examination room. However, in a welcome change, the board has confirmed that students will not need to remove their shoes and socks.

In previous years, candidates were often required to take off their footwear outside the exam hall, which was uncomfortable, especially in winter. The new procedure will allow frisking to be completed at the entry point, enabling students to concentrate on their exams without unnecessary distractions. Importantly, once the initial screening is completed, no further checks will occur during the exam, ensuring a calm and focused environment.

CCTV Surveillance and Examiner Accountability

To bolster exam security, UPMSP has mandated that all examination centers operate under continuous CCTV surveillance. This initiative aims to deter organized cheating and ensure strict oversight of both students and staff. Additionally, all examiners and invigilators will be required to display official identification cards, enhancing accountability at every level.

These measures are part of the board's broader strategy to improve transparency and restore public trust in the examination process.

Mandatory Roll Numbers on Answer Sheets

Another important reform pertains to answer sheet management. This year, students must write their roll number on every page of their answer booklet, not just on the first page. Furthermore, the unique number of the answer sheet must be documented on the attendance sheet.

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with this process lies with the room invigilator, who will be held accountable for any lapses. This measure is specifically designed to prevent answer sheet swapping by cheating syndicates. Once the attendance sheet is attached to the answer booklets, it will be nearly impossible to replace or tamper with them, thereby protecting the integrity of student evaluations.

Preservation of Practical Exam Answer Sheets

UPMSP has also released new guidelines for Class 12 practical examinations, scheduled from January 24 to February 9. For the first time, examiners are instructed to safeguard practical exam answer sheets for a minimum of one year.

These directives were officially communicated by Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh on December 31 to all District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS). Examiners must retain the copies and present them when necessary for verification or inquiry. Previously, there was no set timeline for storing practical exam answer sheets, which sometimes led to administrative challenges during reviews or complaints.

Commitment to Fair and Credible Examinations

Through these comprehensive reforms, the UP Board has made it clear that cheating will not be tolerated in the 2026 examinations. From enhanced surveillance and stricter frisking to improved answer sheet tracking and long-term record preservation, every measure has been meticulously planned to ensure fairness.

As thousands of students gear up for one of the most significant academic milestones of their lives, these initiatives aim to foster a secure, transparent, and student-friendly examination system—one where merit, rather than malpractice, dictates success.