LUCKNOW: In what is being hailed as the largest recruitment initiative in the history of the state’s law enforcement, the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) is finalizing preparations to launch a mega recruitment drive. The board is set to invite applications for approximately 81,000 vacancies, covering a wide spectrum of roles including Civil Police Constables, Sub-Inspectors (SI), Firemen, and specialized PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) cadres.
Breakdown of Vacancies
While the official notification is expected to be released on the board’s website, uppbpb.gov.in, by the third week of April 2026, preliminary data suggests the following distribution:
-
Police Constables: ~60,200 posts (Civil and Special Security Force)
-
Sub-Inspectors (SI): ~9,500 posts
-
PAC & Fireman: ~11,300 posts
This massive induction is part of the state government’s “Mission Rozgar” aimed at strengthening the police-to-population ratio and modernizing the force with tech-savvy personnel.
Eligibility and Age Relaxations
The basic eligibility for Constable posts remains a Class 12 (Intermediate) pass from a recognized board, while SI positions require a Graduation degree in any discipline.
A key point of discussion for the 2026 drive is the potential for age relaxation. Following the precedent set in previous years, there is high demand from aspirant groups for a 3-year relaxation across categories due to the delayed recruitment cycles. However, candidates are advised to wait for the final PDF notification for confirmation on age limits and category-wise quotas.
Selection Process: A Three-Tier System
The recruitment will follow a rigorous, transparent selection process to ensure the highest standards:
-
Written Examination: An OMR-based or Hybrid-mode test covering General Knowledge, Hindi, Numerical Ability, and Mental Aptitude.
-
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates must clear a timed run (typically 4.8 km for males and 2.4 km for females).
-
Physical Standard Test (PST) & Document Verification: Measurement of height, chest (for males), and verification of all educational and caste certificates.
Important Preparation Advice
With an estimated 30 to 35 lakh applicants expected to compete for these 81,000 slots, the competition will be fierce. Experts suggest that candidates should not wait for the application link to start their physical training. Consistency in running and daily practice of mock tests for the written exam are crucial.
The application portal is expected to remain open for 21 days from the date of the notification. Candidates must ensure their Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers and DigiLocker accounts are active, as UPPRPB has integrated digital verification to speed up the recruitment process.