28 thousand candidates for 32,679 vacancies: Oppn. attacking the UP Govt. over “rising unemployment”

A huge crowd gathers to board a train at Charbagh railway station after appearing for the police constable exam in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on Monday, June 8, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

As more than 28 lakh candidates took the written exam for Uttar Pradesh Constable (Civil Police) direct recruitment-2025 from Monday, leading to an unprecedented rush at railway platforms, bus stands and public places in several districts, opposition parties attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its “failure” to tackle the state’s unemployment crisis.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), 28,86,797 candidates applied to compete for 32,679 vacancies over three days (June 8, 9 and 10) across the state.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai said such a high number of applicants shows the massive unemployment crisis and lack of opportunities faced by the youth under the BJP government. “Several videos are viral on social media of long queues outside railway platforms and bus stands of candidates who are about to take the recruitment test. A large number of candidates hold B.Tech and other professional degrees. The desperation among the youth can be seen on the ground as well,” Mr. Rai added.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Udai Veer Singh said, “The staggering number of more than 28 thousand candidates points to many problems. On the one hand, it highlights that the private sector is no longer a good option for a large number of young people, as the government’s policies benefit only a few corporate houses. On the other hand, it reveals the rural distress and the BJPvid economic society. Marginalization of the lower middle and middle class population, people are desperate to take any job.”

The recruitment exam is conducted in all 75 districts of the state. In a statement, UPPRPB Director General SB Shiradkar said, “To ensure the integrity of the examination, nodal officers of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police/Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police have been appointed in each district. One screened inspector/sub-inspector has been deployed in all centers for every 240 candidates. All candidates will undergo strict screening on entry into metal. confined spaces by police personnel.”

Uttar Pradesh Government has announced 50% discount on bus fare for candidates appearing for the exam. “On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, candidates appearing for the examination will be given 50% discount on fares while traveling in Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses,” an official statement said.

Published – June 9, 2026 0:41 AM IST