The Special Operation Group (SOG) in Uttar Pradesh exposed a massive scam in the 2022 Physical Education Teacher Direct Recruitment Examination involving fake Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) degrees. Led by ASP Dharmaram Gila, the probe found that 202 out of 203 appointed candidates submitted forged mark sheets from JS University, Shikohabad—an institution authorised for only 100 B.P.Ed. seats per year.
Over 2,000 candidates claimed government jobs citing degrees from this university, prompting an extensive investigation using university server logs. An FIR has been filed against JS University and 165 candidates, with authorities pursuing legal action amid fears of deeper institutional complicity.
Massive Fake Degree Scam Shakes Teacher Recruitment in UP
The SOG investigation uncovered alarming irregularities: 25 candidates used JS University mark sheets despite studying elsewhere, 26 submitted degrees with mismatched academic years, 9 provided fake documents outright, and 43 submitted degrees from sessions after the exam date, indicating post-exam fabrications.
The investigation also revealed connections beyond physical education recruitment, extending to librarian examinations where similarly backdated and fraudulent degrees were issued by JS University. Brokers have been identified by the SOG as playing a role in the creation and distribution of fake mark sheets.
Additionally, data recovered from the JS University server backup confirmed the manipulation of degree printing. Key suspects, including the university chancellor, registrar, and a middleman arrested earlier, are in custody as probes intensify.
JS University Under Scrutiny
JS University, recognised but recently embroiled in controversies including arrests and accusations of issuing fake degrees, faces multiple investigations. Arrests include suspected middleman Ajay Bhardwaj and senior university officials. Bhardwaj, previously arrested for similar scams, reportedly plans to establish new universities amid ongoing probes. The case exposes systemic vulnerabilities in government recruitment practices and educational oversight in Uttar Pradesh. It reflects a broader pattern of diploma fraud jeopardising trust in public sector appointments.
Additional developments highlight the scale of recruitment irregularities in the state. Separate investigations into the recruitment of 69,000 teachers have revealed allegations of widespread anomalies, including reservation quota manipulations and irregularities in examination evaluations. The Special Task Force (STF) has formed district-level panels to verify the documents of all successful candidates in various recruitments, indicating a spate of interrelated scandals shaking public trust.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This scandal underscores urgent systemic reforms needed to safeguard the integrity of public recruitment and higher education regulation. The cost of such widespread forgery extends beyond legal violations—real, hardworking candidates are unfairly disenfranchised, undermining social trust and morale.
The Logical Indian advocates for transparent, accountable recruitment processes prioritising fairness and empathy to rebuild public confidence. Strengthening institutional checks while fostering ethical culture in education and employment is imperative for societal harmony.
To prevent such frauds, there is a critical need to strengthen verification mechanisms through advanced digital records security and stringent audits. Moreover, fostering an ethical culture across educational institutions and recruiting bodies is crucial. Policymakers, educational authorities, and citizens must collaborate to institute reforms that ensure integrity and social justice in public employment systems.
