The Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education has officially launched its exam season today, February 24, 2025. The UPMSP is set to conduct these significant board exams until March 12, 2025. Over 54 lakh students across the state will sit for their Class 10 and Class 12 examinations at 8,140 designated centers.
The massive scale of this year’s examinations sees approximately 27.32 lakh students registered for the Class 10 papers and 27.05 lakh for Class 12. According to reports, the exams will proceed across two shifts each day, the first from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM and the second from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.
With the aim of ensuring the exams are conducted smoothly and without any malpractices, extensive preparations have been put in place. A state-level control room, recently inaugurated by the State Minister for Secondary Education Gulab Devi, has been established. This control room is equipped with over 50 computers and will oversee the examination process.
Thorough monitoring at all examination centers has been ensured. A three-layer monitoring system involving high-tech cameras is set up to maintain oversight at sensitive locations. The initiative targets the prevention of cheating and ensuring fairness during the exams. Notably, the examination schedule has made specific provisions to address concerns raised by the Mahakumbh festival, leading to the rescheduling of exams originally planned for Prayagraj.
Health and safety protocols have become particularly important during the exam period. Each of the examination centers will now offer first aid facilities to support students who may face anxiety or stress. This year marks the introduction of psychological counseling services at examination centers to manage the emotional well-being of students as they navigate their exam pressures.
Students can expect to see trained mental health professionals available to address any mental health issues, providing assistance aimed at helping them cope with the overall stress of examinations. This innovative move aims to boost their confidence and promote well-being during this intense period.
Monitoring measures will be bolstered by the presence of local police and other agencies such as the STF (Special Task Force) and LIU (Local Intelligence Unit) at various centers, especially those marked as hypersensitive. Special vigilance will be maintained particularly at these high-risk centers.
Attention has also been drawn to the use of unapproved materials during the exams. The UP Board has taken strict action against any forms of malpractice, ensuring punitive measures for students caught engaging with dishonest practices. Similarly, those assisting students through unfair means will also face severe penalties.
Another noteworthy aspect of the UPMSP's planning includes the implementation of digital measures to track student attendance and examination progress. Surveillance technology will be pivotal as officials inspect the adherence to examination guidelines. Each examination answer book will require candidates to write their roll number and examination details by hand on every page, aimed at discouraging copy-swapping incidents.
The exams have captured considerable media attention, and the involvement of representatives from various media houses will help promote transparency. This coverage will serve as both support for the examinees and as an overview of the examination's integrity efforts.
According to the district education inspectors, students are recommended to arrive at their centers at least one hour prior to the scheduled exam times due to expected crowding on examination days. This advice is emphasized particularly for urban areas where traffic congestion could pose challenges.
The first day's papers include Hindi for Class 10 and Military Science for Class 12, highlighting the beginning of this extensive examination process. With preparations firmly underway, students across the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh are gearing up for what is expected to be a strenuous yet pivotal part of their academic endeavors.
From health kits for first aid to frameworks for psychological support, this year’s organization reflects the board's dedication to providing not only academic assessment but also holistic support for the students. Ensuring students can perform to their potential without undue stress or anxiety is the priority of the UP Board as they navigate through this year's examinations.