UKSSSC Paper Leak 2025: Protests, CBI Probe Demand

The state of Uttarakhand has been engulfed in massive protests after the alleged leak of three pages from the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) graduate-level recruitment examination held on September 21, 2025. What began as murmurs of discontent quickly transformed into a wave of demonstrations, with students, job aspirants, and youth organizations taking to the streets across multiple districts. Their demands were clear: a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, cancellation of the exam, and severe punishment for those guilty of undermining the sanctity of the recruitment process.

Outrage Among Youth

The leak, which reportedly occurred within 30 minutes of the examination’s commencement, spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Outraged students gathered at the Parade Ground, Srinagar Garhwal, Haldwani, Dehradun, and several other districts, accusing the government of failing to secure the integrity of recruitment exams. Placards reading “Paper Chor, Gaddi Chhod” (Thieves of papers, vacate the chair) echoed their anger and frustration.

Mukesh Semwal, Secretary of the Uttarakhand unit of the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI), explained the situation: “The students had taken permission for a peaceful protest but it was withdrawn by the police last night. Yet, the students went ahead with their protest.” Despite prohibitory orders in place, protests persisted, signifying the determination of the youth.

Arrests and Investigations

Authorities have made several arrests, including that of Khalid Malik, who emerged as the main accused. Police allege that Malik carried a concealed device into Adarsh Bal Sadan Inter College in Haridwar’s Pathri area, photographed three pages of the paper, and sent them to his sister, Sabia. Sabia, in turn, forwarded them to Assistant Professor Suman in Tehri to get answers. Rishikesh SP Jaya Baluni confirmed: “Sabia sent the question paper photo to Suman and obtained the answers from her, with the intention of helping Khalid cheat in the exam. Therefore, considering her role in the case, she has been arrested.”

The scandal deepened when names of repeat offenders surfaced. Hakam Singh, previously accused in the 2021 paper leak, was arrested again for allegedly promising candidates guaranteed success in exchange for large sums of money. Singh, reportedly a BJP worker with links to senior party leaders, has become symbolic of what students call the entrenched ‘examination mafia.’

Chief Minister’s Controversial Remarks

Amid the uproar, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami sparked fresh controversy by labeling the episode as “Nakal Jehad.” He said: “This is a case of ‘Nakal Jehad,’ and all those involved in exam malpractices will not be spared under any circumstances.” His remark, however, has been widely criticized as divisive, especially given the accused’s Muslim identity.

Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana lashed out at the CM’s statement: “The Chief Minister has been trying to give a communal colour to everything since taking power. This is unfortunate. Why were jammers not in place at the examination centre? Are BJP leaders like Sanjay Paliwal, Hakam Singh, Dharmendra Chauhan, and Assistant Professor Suman indulging in ‘Nakal Jehad’ too?” Dhasmana demanded a CBI investigation under the supervision of a High Court judge, pointing out that the examination centre where the leak took place allegedly belonged to a ruling party leader.

उत्तराखंड में छात्रों ने पेपर चोर ,गद्दी छोड़ सॉन्ग रिलीज किया है। pic.twitter.com/h4uJ2PNnYq— Lutyens Media (@LutyensMediaIN) September 24, 2025

Massive Statewide Protests

Despite heavy police presence and prohibitory orders, youth-led organizations such as the Uttarakhand Berozgar Sangh, Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha, and SUCI spearheaded widespread protests. In Dehradun, students marched towards the secretariat, blocking major roads. “The anti-cheating law has not deterred the mafia. Our months of preparation are wasted because of leaks engineered for money,” said Ram Kandwal of the Berozgar Sangh.

Similar protests rocked Srinagar Garhwal, Champawat, Pauri, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Haldwani. Police detained around 400 demonstrators, but that failed to quell the outrage. Activists like Bobby Panwar and Tribhuvan Chauhan, popular youth figures, demanded that the government re-conduct the exam within a month and guarantee transparency.

At Buddha Park in Haldwani, students staged another demonstration. They voiced the trauma faced by thousands of aspirants who spend months preparing for these exams, only to see their dreams crushed repeatedly due to corruption and mismanagement.

UKSSSC Chairman’s Stand

UKSSSC Chairman Ganesh Singh Martolia admitted that three pages had indeed been leaked but denied that the entire exam was compromised. “This is not a case of full-fledged paper leak. Three pages of the question paper have been leaked from a centre, which is concerning, but it doesn’t constitute a complete examination compromise,” Martolia stated.

He emphasized that mobile jammers had been installed at all examination centers, expressing surprise at how the breach still happened. He has called for a thorough police investigation while initiating an internal inquiry into security loopholes. Despite student demands for his resignation, Martolia has refused to step down.

“Paper Chor, Gaddi Chhod” 🔥

GenZ in Uttarakhand are protesting against BJP Govt even at midnight

Horror story for BJP ☠️ pic.twitter.com/MuJFYvVL6r— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) September 23, 2025

The Larger Pattern of Exam Scandals

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Uttarakhand has witnessed repeated exam scandals over the past decade. The infamous 2021 UKSSSC leak and another involving Secretariat Guards recruitment had shaken public confidence. In that scandal, papers were reportedly sold for ₹10 lakh each even before the exam.

Despite the enactment of the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Prevention and Control of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Ordinance in 2023, scams persist. Arrested masterminds like Hakam Singh continue to resurface, raising questions about the enforcement of anti-cheating laws.

The latest incident is part of a national crisis. Across India, over 65 recruitment examinations have been marred by leaks in the last five years, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. In the 2021 Uttarakhand scandal alone, 59 people were arrested and charges filed against 130.

Youth’s Frustration and Demands

The repeated paper leaks have left young aspirants disillusioned. Many say they are tired of preparing for exams only to face cancellation due to corruption. They demand a transparent recruitment system and strict punishment for culprits.

As one protester at Dehradun put it: “We prepare for years, sacrificing everything, only to see our future sabotaged by the exam mafia. If this continues, how will the youth trust the system or the government?”

The government, in response, has set up two committees—one exploring the creation of a new selection commission and another recommending continuation of the existing UKSSSC. However, the lack of clarity and indecision have only added to students’ frustrations.

Final Thoughts

The UKSSSC paper leak of 2025 is not just an isolated scandal but part of a recurring pattern that undermines the future of thousands of aspirants. Each incident deepens the crisis of trust in the state’s recruitment system. For the youth, already grappling with unemployment, such betrayals only add to their disillusionment.

Systemic reforms, stronger safeguards, transparent investigations, and accountability at the highest levels are urgently required. If the government fails to act decisively, the cycle of corruption and protests will only continue, leaving the aspirations of countless young Uttarakhandis in limbo.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies