Prayagraj: With the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UP-TET) scheduled from July 2 to 4 across 60 districts of the state, the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) has put in place a multilayered security mechanism to ensure a fair and leak-proof examination.The heightened vigilance comes in the wake of the Nov 2021 paper leak that forced the cancellation of the examination and drew widespread criticism.To eliminate any possibility of a repeat, the commission has prepared multiple sets of question papers for both the primary and upper primary level examinations. The final question paper to be used will be selected only five hours before the commencement of the examination.Additional district magistrates (examination), district treasurers and district managers of the executing agency have been directed to ensure that only the trunk carrying the selected colour-coded question paper set is opened and distributed during the respective shift.The examination process has also been strengthened through strict monitoring and randomisation.Invigilators will be allotted examination rooms only 30 minutes before candidates are allowed to enter the examination centre, in the presence of the static magistrate. The centre superintendent will assign duties only after the randomisation process is completed.Biometric verification, including iris scanning and photography, will be mandatory for all candidates at the entrance of every examination centre. Technical teams have been instructed to complete the biometric process within one minute per candidate to avoid delays.The commission has also introduced enhanced security for question papers and OMR answer sheets. The trunks carrying the papers will be secured with one-time locks and opened only 45 minutes before the examination using wire cutters. Question booklets will remain sealed in transparent tamper-proof packets until the scheduled opening time.About 19,94,661 candidates have registered for the examination across 955 centres in Uttar Pradesh.In Prayagraj alone, 96,626 candidates will appear at 53 examination centres spread across the city as well as Karchhana and Jasra. The highest number of candidates will appear on July 2 and 3 in both shifts, while the final phase on July 4 will be conducted in the morning session for primary level candidates.Candidates have also been advised to carefully fill in the question booklet number on the OMR answer sheet, as failure to do so or entering incorrect details will lead to non-evaluation. They have further been instructed not to fold, mark or damage the OMR sheet or tear any page from the question booklet, failing which disciplinary action may be initiated.
