Assistant Professor recruitment exam cancelled in UP after STF uncovers ‘paper leak racket’

The Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday cancelled the Assistant Professor examination conducted by the UP Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) last year after an alleged paper leak and illegal extortion racket came to light.

Three people have been arrested in the case and an FIR has been lodged.

Officials said the decision was taken on the directions of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure that all recruitment and selection processes are “independent, fair, transparent and impartial, and that no injustice is done to deserving candidates”. The UPESSC has been directed to conduct the examination afresh at the earliest, ensuring complete fairness and transparency.

According to official sources, the UP Special Task Force (STF), while gathering intelligence against cheating mafias, received inputs of serious irregularities linked to the Assistant Professor examination held on April 16 and 17 last year by the UPESSC, Prayagraj.

Officials said the information pointed towards the alleged circulation of fake question papers and extortion of money from candidates. Following this, sources said the CM had ordered “a confidential inquiry”.

“Acting on the findings, the STF arrested three accused — Mehboob Ali, Baijnath Pal and Vinay Pal — on April 20, 2025. The accused are alleged to be part of a gang that prepared fake question papers and duped candidates by claiming access to the original papers,” said a government spokesperson.

“An FIR was registered at Vibhuti Khand police station in Lucknow under BNS sections 112, 308(5) and 318(4). To ensure an unbiased investigation, the then chairperson of the commission was asked to resign, as the prime accused, Mehboob Ali, was serving as his assistant…”

Sources said during questioning, Mehboob Ali admitted to obtaining question papers of various subjects during the moderation process and sharing them with candidates in exchange for money.

Sources said further investigation, including scrutiny of mobile phone records of the accused and associated candidates, as well as inputs from informants, revealed the involvement of more people.

“Data sought from the commission confirmed that the sanctity of the examination had been breached,” said officials.

Following this, they said, the Chief Minister ordered the cancellation of the entire examination, emphasising that the decision was taken in the interest of honest candidates and to maintain public trust in the recruitment process.