Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Orders Re-Examination and STF Probe into Alleged Paper Leak in UPPSC RO/ARO Exam

Protests erupted among candidates, with demonstrations staged in Prayagraj district, demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged leak. The aggrieved candidates have accused the UPPSC of negligence and questioned the absence of a First Information Report (FIR) in the case.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken decisive action following allegations of a paper leak in the Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer (Preliminary) Examination, 2023 conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) on February 11, 2024. Amid intense protests by candidates and mounting pressure, CM Adityanath has instructed the cancellation of the exam and ordered a re-examination to be conducted within the next six months.

The decision comes in the wake of widespread accusations regarding leaked exam questions circulating on social media platforms. CM Adityanath has not only mandated a fresh examination but also directed the matter to be investigated by the Special Task Force (STF) of the state. The CM's office has affirmed that stringent legal action will be taken against those found guilty of criminal acts related to the alleged leak.

This cancellation marks the second major recruitment exam to be annulled by the Uttar Pradesh government within a month, further highlighting the severity of the issue. Concerns over the sanctity of examinations and the integrity of the recruitment process have prompted CM Adityanath to reiterate a firm stance against any attempts to compromise the fairness of the system.

Protests erupted among candidates, with demonstrations staged at Pathar Girija Ghar in Prayagraj district, demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged leak. The aggrieved candidates have accused the UPPSC of negligence and questioned the absence of a First Information Report (FIR) in the case.

Responding to the outcry, the UPPSC has formed a three-member probe commission to investigate the allegations of the paper leak. The commission's mandate includes determining the veracity of the claims and assessing the potential impact on the upcoming UPPSC RO/ARO Main examination scheduled for July 28. Key areas of investigation include identifying the source of the leak and examining the selection of examination venues, particularly amid concerns over private school influence and administrative irregularities.

Earlier this week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, amidst his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, has brought attention to the issue of paper leak. The scandal, involving leaked question papers for the RO/ARO and police recruitment exams spreading through social media channels and WhatsApp groups, has sparked vehement protests from candidates and garnered strong criticism from political figures. Rahul Gandhi, while on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, utilized social media platforms to denounce the Modi government, alleging betrayal of the nation's youth aspirations.

The cancellation of the UPPSC RO/ARO exam underscores the gravity of the situation and reflects the government's commitment to upholding the integrity of the recruitment process. As the investigation unfolds, candidates and stakeholders await further developments to ensure transparency and accountability in future examinations conducted by the UPPSC.