Prayagraj: The UP secondary education board (UP Board) examinations commenced across the state, with over 49 lakh candidates appearing in the first day’s two shifts on Wednesday. According to official data, in the first shift, out of 27,54,376 registered candidates, 25,83,055 appeared, while 1,71,321 (over 6%) remained absent. In the second shift, 23,56,983 candidates appeared against 24,99,370 registered candidates, with 1,42,387 (over 5.5%) absentees.Overall, out of a total of 52,53,746 registered candidates, 49,40,038 appeared and 3,13,708 were absent. Board authorities clarified that absentee data was compiled date-wise and subject-wise, and consolidated figures for the entire examination period will be released after completion of all papers.Three candidates were caught using unfair means on the day of examination. Of these, two cases were reported from Hapur district and one from Bareilly. All three were high school examinees. In addition, five first information reports (FIRs) were registered in connection with examination-related offences. Cases were reported from Agra, Fatehpur, Kannauj, Kaushambi and Etawah districts, where one impersonator in each district was caught appearing in place of another candidate.According to information received from divisional and district authorities via telephone and email, the examinations were conducted in a fair, copy-free and peaceful manner across all districts, with no untoward incidents reported.On the first day, high school students appeared for Hindi and elementary Hindi in the first shift, while intermediate students took the Hindi and general Hindi examinations in the second shift.According to official figures, a total of 27,54,376 candidates were registered for the high school Hindi examination, which was conducted at 8,033 centres across the state. Likewise, 24,99,370 candidates were registered for the intermediate Hindi examination at 7,998 centres across the state.From early morning, students were seen arriving at various examination centres well before the reporting time, accompanied by parents and guardians. Strict security protocols were implemented to ensure a fair and transparent examination process. Students were allowed entry only after thorough checking of admit cards and identity verification. Frisking was carried out by teachers and staff at the entry gates, while police personnel were deployed outside centres to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.This year, the Board introduced several additional security innovations to ensure transparency and prevent malpractice. Answer booklets were printed in distinct colours, and teachers, invigilators and other examination staff were issued QR code-enabled identity cards. Mobile jammers were installed on a trial basis at 20 selected examination centres to block unauthorised communication and curb the use of electronic devices. All centres are under CCTV surveillance with voice recording facilities, and live monitoring is being carried out through centralised control rooms. Question papers are secured in double-lock strong rooms with round-the-clock monitoring, while flying squads, static magistrates and police personnel remain on active duty to enforce strict compliance with examination norms and maintain a copy-free environment.
