Lucknow: Eleven impersonators and a candidate allegedly using unfair means were apprehended on Friday during the second day of the three-day Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET)-2026, an official said.

According to an official statement, the examination was conducted in two shifts at 955 centres across 60 districts under enhanced security arrangements and concluded peacefully.

The first shift was held for the upper primary level, while the second was conducted for the primary level.

Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission Chairman Prashant Kumar said all examination centres were monitored through an AI-integrated control and command centre and AI-enabled surveillance cameras.

During the first shift, nine impersonators who had allegedly appeared in place of registered candidates were caught. Another candidate was found allegedly concealing a mobile phone inside his shoe to use unfair means during the examination.

In the second shift, two more impersonators were apprehended, taking the total number of those caught during the day to 12.

All the accused were handed over to the local police for legal action, the statement said.

Kumar said 8,07,709 candidates had registered for Friday's two shifts, of whom 7,51,321 appeared for the examination, recording an overall attendance of 93.01 per cent.

Attendance among women candidates stood at 92.70 per cent, while 93.36 per cent of registered male candidates appeared for the examination.

The UPTET-2026 is being conducted over three days from July 2 to 4 in five shifts at 955 examination centres across 60 districts of the state.

The final shift of the examination will be held on Saturday under AI-based monitoring and strengthened security arrangements, Kumar said.