UPTET 2026: Nearly 20 Lakh Aspirants Take Test as Three-Day Exam Kicks Off in UP

The wait is finally over for nearly 20 lakh teaching aspirants across Uttar Pradesh as the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) 2026 got underway today, with the first of five shifts beginning across 955 examination centres in 60 districts.

The three-day marathon examination, being conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission, will be conducted from July 2 to July 4. It is held for candidates hoping to clear the mandatory eligibility test for teaching positions in primary and upper primary schools

Many candidates have prepared for months (in some cases for years). One candidate, who appeared for the test on the opening day, told IANS: "I'm expecting to score around 120 marks. My preparation was largely self-driven through YouTube and other online platforms."

This year, a total of 19,94,661 candidates have registered for the test, The PTI reported. It is held in conducted in five shifts over three days.

Those sitting for the upper primary level (Classes 6 to 8) will write their papers on July 2 in both shifts and during the first shift on July 3, while primary level candidates (Classes 1 to 5) will take their turn in the second shift on July 3 and the first shift on July 4.

As far as the security arrangements is concerned, biometric verification, AI-enabled CCTV cameras, and mobile jammers have been deployed across all centres to ensure the integrity of the examination. Electronic gadgets of any kind are strictly prohibited inside exam halls.

Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh: The three-day Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) 2026, conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission, is being held from July 2 to July 4. pic.twitter.com/qN9B8JI1X5

— IANS (@ians_india) July 2, 2026

One candidate who travelled from Jaunpur to appear for the test expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Speaking to the news agency, he said: "I've come from Jaunpur to take this exam, and honestly, the arrangements here are quite good. Proper security measures are in place-no electronic devices are being allowed inside, and I believe biometric attendance will also be conducted."

Another aspirant, who had been preparing for the past five to six months through a mix of online and offline coaching, said, "My preparation has been good. I have been studying consistently for the past five to six months through both online and offline modes."

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: On the Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET), a candidate says, "I have come from Jaunpur to appear for the UPTET examination. The arrangements here are quite good, and proper security measures are in place. Electronic gadgets are not being… pic.twitter.com/XMexrJDEB0

— IANS (@ians_india) July 2, 2026

Commission Chairman Prashant Kumar, a former director general of police of Uttar Pradesh, confirmed that all examination centres had been thoroughly reviewed ahead of the test. "Every hall and sensitive area has been covered with AI-enabled CCTV cameras linked to district control rooms and our integrated command and control centre," he said. "We've also tested the connectivity of all centres to ensure seamless monitoring."

To add another layer of oversight, one retired IAS officer and one retired IPS officer have been appointed as observers for each district-and they've already completed their groundwork, reviewing arrangements on-site.