The Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday, 7 June lodged an FIR against a Telegram channel called 'UPP Exam Paper' for allegedly attempting to defraud candidates by selling fake question papers for ₹8,000 ahead of the UP Police Constable Recruitment Examination 2026. The case has been registered at Hussainganj police station in Lucknow, with investigators now working to identify the channel's operator and trace the linked bank account.

How the Scam Operated

The Telegram channel lured aspirants with promises of pre-exam access to question papers, sharing a QR code and bank account details to collect payments of ₹8,000 per candidate. The channel came under police scrutiny after its solicitation methods were flagged, prompting swift action by the cyber and recruitment enforcement units. Police teams are currently gathering intelligence on the channel's operator and the financial trail behind the alleged fraud.

Scale of the Recruitment Drive

The examinations are being held to fill 32,679 constable vacancies in the UP Police, making it one of the largest recruitment exercises in the state. More than 28 lakh candidates are expected to appear across more than 1,100 examination centres spread throughout Uttar Pradesh. The written tests are scheduled over three days — 8 June to 10 June 2026 — in two shifts each day: the first from 10 am to noon and the second from 3 pm to 5 pm.

UPPRPB's Warning to 'Problem Solvers'

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has issued a sharp warning targeting so-called 'problem solvers' — individuals who impersonate candidates at examination centres using forged documents. According to the board, those caught engaging in such impersonation face severe penalties, including the possible demolition of their properties. The warning signals a zero-tolerance posture ahead of what is one of the most high-stakes competitive exams in the state.

Assurances on Paper Security

Amid circulating rumours of a potential paper leak, the UPPRPB has sought to reassure candidates, stating that examination papers have been safely transported to strong rooms and will be escorted to individual centres under close official supervision. The board has also urged candidates to disregard rumour-mongering and warned of action against those spreading misinformation that could disrupt the recruitment process. This comes amid a broader national pattern of exam fraud cases that have shaken public confidence in large-scale competitive examinations in recent years.

What Candidates Should Know

Candidates are advised to report any suspicious social media handles or channels claiming to offer leaked papers. Officials have confirmed that no question paper has been compromised, and that any such claims are part of organised fraud attempts targeting the large applicant pool. With over 28 lakh aspirants registered, the UP constable exam remains a prime target for fraudsters — making vigilance and official-channel verification critical in the days ahead.