In a major crackdown on recruitment malpractice, the Uttar Pradesh government has officially cancelled the Assistant Professor Recruitment Examination (Advertisement No. 51), following a confirmed paper leak. The decision was made after an investigation by the UP Special Task Force (STF), which uncovered an organized extortion racket involving commission insiders. The cancellation impacts over 1.14 lakh candidates who had applied for 1,017 vacancies in government-aided degree colleges.
Key Highlights
- Exam Status: CANCELLED — Held on April 16-17, 2025.
- Reason for Cancellation: Confirmed paper leak and extortion racket unearthed by STF.
- Candidates Affected: 1.14 lakh candidates for 1,017 assistant professor positions.
- Arrests Made: Three key individuals arrested, including Mehboob Ali, the assistant to the former UPESSC Chairperson.
- Next Steps: Fresh examination to be conducted; new dates to be announced by UPESSC.
Main News Report
STF Exposes “Insider” Job
The cancellation of the UP Assistant Professor exam came after a confidential inquiry was ordered by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which revealed that the sanctity of the exam had been compromised. The UP STF arrested three individuals directly involved in the paper leak:
- Mehboob Ali: A confidential assistant to the then-chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC), Ali confessed to leaking the exam paper during the moderation process.
- Baijnath Pal and Vinay Pal: Allegedly part of the gang responsible for selling the leaked papers to candidates for substantial sums.
CM Yogi: “Zero Tolerance for Cheating”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that no injustice would be done to deserving candidates. He ordered the immediate annulment of the exam, instructing the UPESSC to:
- Announce fresh exam dates at the earliest.
- Ensure the new process is 100% transparent and secure.
- Take strict legal action against all beneficiaries of the leak.
Impact on Candidates
While the cancellation is a blow to the candidates waiting for their results, it offers a fair playing field for honest aspirants. The UPESSC has indicated that candidates will be refunded or adjusted for the exam fees with an official notice awaited.
- Fresh Exam Schedule: Candidates are advised to keep checking the official UPESSC website for the revised timetable.
Official Statements
UP Government Spokesperson:
“The integrity of the examination was compromised. Keeping the future of 1.14 lakh candidates in mind, the exam stands cancelled. A fresh, transparent exam will be conducted soon.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath:
“The integrity of the examination was compromised. Keeping the future of 1.14 lakh candidates in mind, the exam stands cancelled. A fresh, transparent exam will be conducted soon.“
FAQs
A1: Yes, the UP Government cancelled the exam on January 7, 2026, due to a confirmed paper leak.
A2: STF investigations revealed that Mehboob Ali, a confidential assistant to the former chairperson, was involved in leaking the paper.
A3: Fresh dates have not been announced yet. The UPESSC has been directed to schedule the new exam at the earliest
Transparency Note
This report is based on the official press release from the UP Government and findings by the STF as of January 8, 2026. Further updates will be available as the situation progresses.
