The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has officially launched the 2025 board examinations, marking the beginning of one of the most significant academic events for the state’s education system. The exams for classes 10 and 12 are set to run from February 24 to March 12, and with more than 54.37 lakh students expected to participate, the stakes are high.
This year, the UP Board has taken extensive precautions to uphold the integrity of the examinations. A total of 8,140 examination centers have been established, with over 27.32 lakh students sitting for the class 10 exams and more than 27.05 lakh aiming for their class 12 certificates. The exams will be conducted over two shifts: the first from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM and the second from 2 PM to 5:15 PM.
On the first day of the examination, class 10 students will tackle their Hindi papers, followed by healthcare subjects, whereas class 12 students will begin with military science before moving on to Hindi. The exams demand students to carry their admit cards and valid school ID for entry, making it clear: no documents, no entry.
State Minister for Secondary Education, Gulab Devi, inaugurated the control room responsible for monitoring the exams. Equipped with 54 computers, this facility aims to oversee activities across all districts. "Strict action will be taken against students indulging in unfair means," she stated, emphasizing the board's commitment to maintaining exam credibility. The control room is backed by on-site monitoring at the district and school levels, reinforcing the zero-tolerance policy on cheating.
To address health and mental well-being, all exam centers are equipped with first aid facilities. Psychiatrists will also be present to support students facing anxiety due to exam pressure. The board has even set up helplines and specific counseling resources to assist students during this stressful time.
Strict rules govern the conduct of these exams. All students must adhere to the established dress code — school uniforms — and any electronic devices, including watches and Bluetooth gadgets, are strictly prohibited. Candidates are advised to arrive at their designated exam centers at least 30 minutes early to sidestep any last-minute hiccups.
Monitoring this year's board examinations includes the deployment of over 10,000 high-quality CCTV cameras at various centers. The cameras, which will feed live footage to the main control room, aim to deter any attempts at malpractice. The new Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act of 2024 has been introduced to tackle cheating aggressively, imposing severe penalties for violations, including fines up to ₹1 crore and potential life sentences for severe offenses.
This heightened vigilance is especially important as over 12% of the exam centers are classified as sensitive or highly sensitive. UPMSP officials have ensured strict oversight of these locations, with additional police presence being implemented to mitigate any potential disruptions.
Adding to the complexity of this year’s exams, the UP government announced the postponement of the class 10 and 12 exams set for February 24 in Prayagraj due to the Maha Kumbh festivities. This decision ensures public safety during the influx of devotees. Those exams will now take place on March 9, 2025.
The council is determined to conduct these examinations smoothly and efficiently, ensuring all students receive the chance to perform to the best of their abilities, free from worries about cheating and related concerns. The board hopes these efforts will not only streamline the examination process but also instill confidence among students and parents alike.
While millions of students across Uttar Pradesh prepare for the examinations, the overarching message from officials is one of hope and encouragement. They stress the importance of integrity and hard work as fundamental elements of academic success. The board is committed to cultivating an environment where students can focus on their studies, unhampered by external pressures or unfair practices.
With extensive measures taken to secure the examination process, the UPMSP is setting precedents for future educational practices across the state. The rigorous monitoring and commitment to transparency reflect the board's larger vision of fostering educational excellence and fairness.