Prayagraj: The Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board (UP Board) has introduced QR code-enabled printed identity cards for all invigilators to ensure fair and cheating-free conduct of the 2026 High School and Intermediate examinations.“QR code-based printed identity cards for invigilators were uploaded on the board’s portal on Tuesday and a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) released for their issuance. Strict instructions were issued to ensure that the exams were conducted in a transparent and malpractice-free manner. All district inspectors of schools (DIOS) must follow the prescribed procedure without deviation, as the matter is time-bound and sensitive,” board secretary Bhagwati Singh said. The secretary also directed that identity cards must be issued by Feb 13. As per the SOP, principals of all secondary schools are required to download the invigilators’ ID cards from the board portal and print them in duplicate. The details and photographs of the concerned teachers must be verified with school records and duly signed by both the teacher and the principal. The ID cards will then be submitted to the DIOS for countersignature and for mentioning the allotted examination centre. One countersigned copy will be returned to the principal, while the 2nd copy will be retained in the DIOS office for record. In cases where QR code-enabled ID cards are not available on the portal, principals must download the plain format, fill in the details as per records, and get them countersigned by the DIOS before issuance. For teachers deputed from the basic education department, the DIOS will share the necessary documents and centre lists through the basic shiksha adhikari (BSA). The QR codes on the ID cards can be scanned randomly by administrative or departmental officers using a standard mobile QR scanner to verify authenticity. The DIOSes were instructed to ensure that no erroneous or discrepant identity card is issued under any circumstances.