In a first-of-its-kind initiative to reduce examination stress and curb academic malpractice, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) will introduce counselling sessions to sensitise students about the adverse consequences of using unfair means in examinations.
However, the new approach seeks to address the root causes that drive students toward copying. “Strict punitive measures often had serious consequences for students but failed to completely eliminate the influence of copying gangs. The board has therefore proposed a softer, education-based approach to build students’ self-confidence and help them understand that cheating cannot ensure long-term academic or career success,” Singh said.
The board has traditionally relied on strict measures such as filing FIRs and debarring students caught cheating from the remainder of the examination, according to UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh.
Unlike previous years, when psychological counselling was available only during examinations, the UP Board ran a counselling help desk for over a month before the 2026 High School and Intermediate examinations began. The board has also expanded its mental health support initiatives.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 2027 board examinations. As per the schedule, the High School and Intermediate exams will commence on February 5 and conclude on February 24. High School candidates will appear in the morning session from 8:30 am to 11:45 am, while Intermediate students will take their examinations from 2 pm to 5:15 pm. The first 15 minutes in both shifts will be reserved for reading the question paper. Consequently, answer writing will begin at 8:45 am in the morning shift and at 2:15 pm in the afternoon shift.
The examinations will be conducted in two shifts daily.
