The year 2025 has brought another shock to thousands of job aspirants in Uttarakhand. The UKSSSC (Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission) exam, which was meant to open doors to government jobs, is now at the center of a major controversy. Allegations of a paper leak have triggered widespread protests, with angry students and unemployed youth accusing the government of failing to protect their future.
What Happened?
The issue began when images of the exam question paper started circulating on social media soon after the test began. Despite the use of mobile jammers and security checks, a candidate allegedly managed to sneak in a phone, clicked photos of the paper, and shared them outside the exam hall.
Police investigations have identified multiple people involved, including a student named Khalid Malik, his sister, and a college professor. Several arrests have already been made. To restore credibility, the government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of a retired High Court judge. Authorities have also demolished the shops of the accused and seized their properties.
Student Anger Spills on Streets
The reaction from students was immediate and fierce. Hundreds of young people marched in Dehradun and other cities, demanding justice and a fair recruitment process.
Their demands include:
- Cancellation of the tainted exam.
- A fresh, transparent exam.
- Strict punishment for those involved.
- CBI investigation for impartiality.
For many, this is not just about one exam—it reflects a much deeper frustration with unemployment and repeated failures in the state’s recruitment system.
Political Reactions
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami defended the state, calling the scandal “a cheating case, not a paper leak.” He promised strict action against those guilty and labeled the episode “nakal jihad” (copying mafia).
Opposition parties, however, see this as a major failure of the ruling BJP government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi openly supported the protesting students, accusing the government of betraying the youth. Local MLAs also raised questions, calling the leak a “planned fraud.”
Why This Matters
- Broken Trust – Competitive exams are seen as the only path to secure jobs for many youth. Leaks damage that trust.
- Unemployment Crisis – Joblessness in Uttarakhand is already a big issue. Failed exams only deepen the crisis.
- Systemic Corruption – Repeated leaks raise concerns about the efficiency and honesty of recruitment bodies.
- Youth Anger – Young people feel ignored and betrayed, fueling protests that may grow stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is UKSSSC?
It is the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission, responsible for state-level recruitment exams.
2. What exactly happened in 2025?
Photos of the exam paper were leaked online during the test, leading to suspicions of cheating.
3. Who are the main accused?
A student named Khalid Malik, his sister, and a professor are among those arrested.
4. How did the paper leak despite security?
Reports suggest a mobile phone was smuggled into the exam hall, hidden in socks.
5. What action has the government taken?
An SIT has been formed, accused properties have been demolished, and several people arrested.
6. Are the exams cancelled?
Not yet, but students are demanding cancellation and re-examination.
7. Why are students so angry?
They feel repeated paper leaks destroy their career opportunities and show the system is broken.
8. Has this happened before in Uttarakhand?
Yes, similar leaks happened in 2021 and 2022 despite anti-cheating laws.
9. What is the opposition saying?
Congress and other parties accuse the government of failing to stop exam mafias and support the protests.
10. What happens next?
If the government doesn’t act firmly, the protests could intensify and even impact upcoming elections.
Conclusion
The UKSSSC paper leak of 2025 is more than just another exam scandal. It is about shattered trust, broken dreams, and a generation of young people who feel cheated by the system. If the government wants to win back that trust, it will need to go beyond promises—delivering real reforms, transparency, and accountability in the recruitment process.
Report by Toofan Express