With over 28 lakh candidates taking the written exam for the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable (Civil Police) Direct Recruitment-2025 from Monday leading to unprecedented rush at railway platforms, bus stations and public places in several districts, Opposition parties attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over its “failure” to address the rising unemployment crisis in the State.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), 28,86,797 candidates have 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 high numbers of aspirants shows the massive unemployment crisis and lack of opportunities the youth are facing under the BJP government. “Several videos are viral on social media of long lines outside railway platforms and bus stations of aspirants going to take the recruitment test. A large number of aspirants are B.Tech and other professional degree holders. The desperation among youth is visible on the ground,” Mr. Rai added.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Udai Veer Singh said, “The staggering number of over 28 lakh candidates shows multiple problems. On one hand, it highlights that the private sector is no longer a good option for a large number of youth since only a few corporate houses are benefited by the government’s policies. On the other hand, it reveals the rural distress. With caste and communal rhetoric of the BJP dividing the society and leading to economic marginalisation of the lower-middle and middle-class population, people are desperate to take up any job.”

The recruitment exam is being conducted across all 75 districts of the State. UPPRPB Director General S.B. Shiradkar, in a statement, 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 every district. At all centres, one inspector/sub-inspector has been deployed for every 240 candidates. All candidates will undergo strict screening at entry gates using handheld metal detectors. Female candidates will be checked in enclosed spaces by female police personnel.”

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 50% bus fare concession for candidates appearing in the exam. “On Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s instructions, candidates appearing for the examination will be provided a 50% concession on fares while traveling on Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses,” an official statement read.