Controversy Erupts Over UP Police Exam Question Regarding 'Pandit'

A recent question in the Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector recruitment exam has ignited controversy, prompting an immediate government inquiry. The question, which included the term 'Pandit', has drawn criticism from political leaders and community members alike. With approximately 1.5 million candidates competing for 4,500 positions, the incident raises questions about the examination process and the responsibility of the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board. Political figures are calling for accountability and action against those responsible for the controversial question. This article delves into the details of the exam, the government's response, and the implications of the controversy.

By Ambika Singh Mar 15, 2026, 15:15 IST

Serious Concerns Raised Over Exam Question

A significant issue has emerged as various leaders in Uttar Pradesh have voiced their concerns regarding a question from the recent Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam. The government has initiated an immediate investigation into the matter, emphasizing that strict measures will be enforced against those found culpable.

Details of the Recruitment Examination

The recruitment examination for Police Sub-Inspector and equivalent positions took place on March 14 and 15, 2026, across all 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh. Approximately 1.5 million candidates are vying for around 4,500 available positions. However, a question from the Hindi section on the first day ignited controversy. The question posed was: 'Who is the person who changes according to the opportunity?' The options included 'Opportunist' (Avsarvadi), 'Sincere' (Nishkapat), 'Virtuous' (Sadachari), and 'Pandit'. The inclusion of 'Pandit' in this context has drawn significant backlash from political figures and community members.

Government's Response and Inquiry

In response to the uproar, state leaders have labeled the question as a serious matter. The government has mandated an inquiry into the situation, asserting that it is committed to maintaining the dignity and respect of all societal groups. This raises questions about the process behind the preparation of the UP SI examination paper, particularly regarding the controversial question.

Who is Responsible for the UP SI Exam Paper?

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) is in charge of organizing this examination, and the responsibility for the question paper lies with the Board. The process for creating the question paper typically involves several steps:

Formation of an Expert Panel: Subject experts, including professors and experienced officials, are appointed to create panels for various subjects. These experts are tasked with developing a question bank.

Question Review (Moderation): The drafted questions are reviewed by a Moderation Committee to ensure they align with the syllabus, use clear language, maintain a balance of difficulty, and avoid controversial content.

Final Selection and Sealing: After preparation, the final set of questions is selected by the Controller of Examinations or a designated high-level committee, which then seals the paper.

Security and Printing: The finalized paper is securely stored and transported to examination centers under strict security measures.

Adherence to Confidentiality: All individuals involved in the examination process must take an oath of confidentiality, with legal repercussions for any leaks.

Political Reactions to the Controversy

The controversy surrounding the question has prompted strong reactions from various political leaders. Abhijat Mishra, the State Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging an investigation and accountability for those responsible. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has publicly condemned the question on social media, asserting that derogatory terms aimed at any caste, community, or tradition should not be tolerated.