PRAYAGRAJ, Dec. 7 -- In a significant crackdown on use of unfair means in examinations, the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education has barred 254 schools from serving as examination centres for the upcoming 2026 high school and intermediate examinations. This action follows findings that these institutions were involved in facilitating cheating during last year's board exams.

Board secretary Bhagwati Singh confirmed that the list of flagged schools was compiled after multiple rounds of meetings between board officials and district inspectors of schools (DIoS) across the state. "The screening process is intended to ensure fair and transparent examinations. Schools with a questionable record will not be permitted to host board exams," ...