UP Board Exam Preparations: Command Centers and Security Measures in Place
Overview of UP Board Exams
The UP Board, recognized as Asia's largest examination body, has commenced its high school and intermediate examinations today, February 18th, running until March 12th. A staggering 53,37,778 candidates are set to participate, comprising 27,61,696 high school students and 25,76,082 intermediate students. To facilitate this, 8,033 examination centers have been established throughout the state.
Command Centers Established
In a bid to uphold the integrity of the UP Board examinations, two Command and Control Rooms have been set up in Lucknow, alongside another at the UP Board headquarters in Prayagraj. The headquarters' Command Center is tasked with the online monitoring of strong rooms and examination centers across all 75 districts within the state's 18 divisions. Staffed around the clock in three shifts, each comprising 36 employees, these centers are also supported by regional offices and the District Magistrate's Office for live monitoring.
Helpline Numbers for Assistance
To assist students, parents, and teachers with exam-related inquiries, the UP Board has introduced two helpline numbers: 1800-180-5312 and 1800-180-5310. Operational since February 3rd, these lines are manned by four employees working in shifts to address concerns and questions regarding the examinations.
Categorization of Exam Centers
According to Gulab Devi, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Secondary Education, 18 districts have been identified as sensitive for the UP Board exams. Among these, 222 centers are classified as highly sensitive, while 683 are deemed sensitive. The Special Task Force (STF) and local intelligence units will be present at these locations throughout the examination period, with inspections occurring twice daily.
Additional Support for Candidates
The control room in Lucknow has also provided toll-free helpline numbers: 18001806607 and 18001806608, allowing candidates and parents to lodge complaints or suggestions via email, Facebook, X handle, and WhatsApp. Control centers are operational at the Prayagraj headquarters and regional offices in Varanasi, Meerut, Bareilly, and Gorakhpur.
Measures to Prevent Cheating
To deter cheating, special security measures have been implemented. Reserve question paper sets for all subjects are securely stored in double-locked cupboards for emergencies. Answer sheets now feature enhanced security elements, including four-color serial numbers, the council's logo, and a microscopic "UPMSP" marking to prevent tampering. Notably, this year marks the first instance of online monitoring for the UP Sanskrit Education Council examination.