UPTET 2026 begins today, over 20 lakh candidates seek a fair and leak-free exam

The UPTET 2026 begins today, July 2 across 955 centres in 60 Uttar Pradesh districts, with nearly 20 lakh candidates appearing under strict security. AI surveillance, biometric verification and STF deployment aim to prevent malpractice, while candidates hope for a fair exam and timely teacher recruitment.

In Short

• UPTET 2026 begins on July 2 with nearly 20 lakh candidates across 955 centres in 60 districts
• Exam held over five shifts from July 2 to 4 for Primary and Upper Primary levels
• Candidates urge speedy recruitment and strict adherence to exam rules after 4 years gap

The Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) 2026 begins today, July 2, with nearly 20 lakh candidates appearing for the examination across the state under heightened security arrangements. Conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Selection Commission for the first time, the examination will be held over five shifts between July 2 and July 4 at 955 centres across 60 districts.

According to the Commission, a total of 19,94,661 candidates have registered for the examination.

Of these, 8,16,436 candidates are appearing for the Upper Primary level (Classes 6–8), 3,88,179 for the Primary level (Classes 1–5), while 3,95,023 candidates have opted to appear for both levels. In Prayagraj alone, 76,063 candidates are taking the examination across 53 designated centres.

The examination schedule has been spread across three days. On July 2, the Upper Primary level examination is being conducted in both shifts. On July 3, the Upper Primary examination will be held in the first shift, followed by the Primary level examination in the second shift.

On July 4, only the Primary level examination will be conducted in the first shift. The morning shift runs from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, while the afternoon shift is scheduled from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

CANDIDATES HOPE OF A FAIR EXAM AND FASTER RECRUITMENT

Candidates started arriving at examination centres as early as 7:00 am, where entry was permitted only after strict security checks. Many expressed optimism that the examination would be conducted fairly, while also urging the government to expedite teacher recruitment after the results.

"Since the government has conducted the UPTET after four years, I want the examination to be held strictly according to the rules. As paper leaks have become a recurring issue, I hope the government ensures that such incidents do not happen this time," said Mukesh Kumar Sonkar, who appeared for the examination.

He further added,"My request is also that teacher recruitment vacancies should be announced as soon as possible after the examination. A proper recruitment calendar should be established so candidates do not have to wait for months. The entire process should be carried out in a planned manner."

Many candidates said they had spent months preparing for the examination and hoped the recruitment process would move swiftly once the results are released.

AI SURVEILLANCE, IRIS SCANS AND OTHER MEASURES

The Commission said elaborate measures have been put in place to ensure the examination is conducted in a transparent, fair and secure manner. Observers, including Commission members and retired IAS and IPS officers, have been deployed across all districts to oversee the process.

Multi-layer security arrangements have been implemented at all examination centres, including biometric iris scanning and AI-enabled CCTV surveillance. The centres are also being monitored through an Integrated Command and Control Room. Officials said no candidate will be allowed entry without a valid admit card.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) has also been deployed to prevent malpractice and crack down on cheating networks, while district administrations have been directed to provide full logistical support for the smooth conduct of the examination.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES

To facilitate candidates, the Commission has ensured the availability of drinking water at examination centres and coordinated with the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and the Railways to operate additional buses and special trains.

Candidates have been advised to reach their examination centres well before the reporting time and cooperate with officials to ensure the examination is conducted peacefully.

EXAM UNDER SCRUTINY AFTER 2021 PAPER LEAK

The UPTET is being conducted under intense scrutiny following the 2021 paper leak, which led to the examination's cancellation and subsequent rescheduling. With enhanced security measures in place this year, candidates hope the examination concludes without any irregularities and that teacher recruitment notifications are issued promptly after the results are declared.

- Ends