UP Board Exam 2026: Strict Anti-Cheating Measures Introduced, Students to Face Screening Before Entry Without Removing Shoes
The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has announced a series of stringent measures to ensure that the UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations for the academic session 2025–26 are conducted in a completely fair, transparent, and cheating-free manner. With the board exams scheduled to begin from February 18, 2026, the council is leaving no stone unturned to maintain the credibility of one of the largest school examination systems in the country.
At present, pre-board examinations are underway across the state, while Class 12 practical examinations will be conducted in two phases starting January 24. Ahead of these crucial assessments, UPMSP has rolled out fresh guidelines covering student frisking, answer sheet handling, CCTV surveillance, and the storage of practical exam copies.
Strict Checks Before Exam Hall Entry
One of the most notable changes this year relates to the security checks at examination centers. To curb cheating and the use of unfair means, students will now undergo thorough physical screening before entering the classroom. However, in a major relief to candidates, the board has clarified that students will not be required to remove their shoes and socks.
In previous years, candidates appearing for Class 10 and 12 exams were often asked to remove footwear outside the examination hall, which caused discomfort, especially during winter. Under the new system, frisking will be completed at the entry point itself, ensuring that students can focus on their exams without unnecessary inconvenience. Importantly, once the initial screening is done, no additional checking will take place during the exam, maintaining a calm and distraction-free environment inside the classroom.
CCTV Monitoring and Examiner ID Cards
To further strengthen exam security, UPMSP has directed all examination centers to conduct exams under continuous CCTV surveillance. This move aims to deter organized cheating rackets and ensure strict monitoring of both students and staff. In addition, all examiners and invigilators will be required to carry official identity cards, making accountability clearer at every level.
These steps are part of the board’s broader plan to enhance transparency and restore public confidence in the examination process.
Roll Number Mandatory on Every Answer Sheet Page
Another significant reform focuses on answer sheet management. This year, students must write their roll number on every page of their answer booklet, not just the first page. Alongside this, the unique number of the answer sheet must be recorded on the attendance sheet.
The responsibility for ensuring this process lies with the room invigilator, who will be held accountable for any negligence. According to the board, this measure is specifically designed to prevent answer sheet swapping by cheating mafias. Once the attendance sheet is attached to the answer booklets, it will become nearly impossible to replace or tamper with copies, thereby safeguarding the integrity of student evaluations.
Practical Exam Answer Sheets to Be Preserved for One Year
UPMSP has also issued new guidelines for Class 12 practical examinations, scheduled between January 24 and February 9. For the first time, examiners have been instructed to safely preserve practical exam answer sheets for a minimum period of one year.
These instructions were officially issued by Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh on December 31 and have now been communicated to all District Inspectors of Schools (DIOS). Examiners must retain the copies and produce them whenever required for verification or inquiry purposes. Earlier, there was no fixed timeline for storing practical exam answer sheets, which sometimes led to administrative difficulties during reviews or complaints.
Aiming for Fair and Credible Examinations
With these comprehensive reforms, the UP Board has sent a clear message 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 step has been carefully planned to ensure fairness.
As lakhs of students prepare for one of the most important academic milestones of their lives, these measures aim to create a secure, transparent, and student-friendly examination system—one where merit, not malpractice, determines success.
