Lucknow, March 15, 2026 — A single Hindi question in the Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination has triggered widespread outrage after “Pandit” was listed as an option for describing an opportunist, with critics accusing it of insulting the Brahmin community and linking the revered title to a negative trait.
The controversy surfaced on Saturday, March 14, 2026, during the written test conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) for SI (civil police) and equivalent posts across multiple shifts. The question appeared in the General Hindi section and read: “अवसर के अनुसार बदल जाने वाला” (What would you call a person who changes according to circumstances?).
Candidates were given four options:
* A) Sadachari (virtuous)
* B) Pandit
* C) Avsarvadi (opportunist)
* D) Nishkapat (innocent or sincere)
“Avsarvadi” is widely accepted as the correct answer, but the inclusion of “Pandit” — a term denoting a learned scholar or traditionally associated with Brahmins — sparked immediate backlash. Objectors argued that while the other choices describe personality traits, “Pandit” refers to a specific social or religious community, making its placement inappropriate and potentially prejudicial.
BJP state office-bearer Abhijat Mishra promptly wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling the question “objectionable and sensitive.” He stated that linking “Pandit” — which “traditionally denotes a learned scholar or respected religious figure” — to a negative trait could hurt community sentiments and demanded a departmental inquiry along with strict action against those responsible for the question paper.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, in a post on X, voiced the government’s strong objection: “The question that appeared in the Uttar Pradesh Police recruitment examination and the options given in it have raised serious objections from us… If any question hurts the dignity of any society or community, it is absolutely unacceptable.” He added that instructions for an immediate inquiry had been issued and “strict action will be taken against those found responsible.”
The UPPRPB’s Controller of Examination confirmed late on Saturday that orders for an investigation into the specific question (from the first shift) had already been issued, with responsibility to be fixed and action taken accordingly. Question papers are prepared by external confidential agencies, and board officials do not review them in advance for secrecy reasons.
The Competitive Students’ Struggle Committee and groups like the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha have also raised objections, with some alleging the incident could be part of a broader attempt to spread hatred against Brahmins. The row has quickly spread on social media and among aspirants, drawing parallels to the recent controversy over the film title *Ghooskhor Pandit*, which was altered after similar accusations of community defamation.
As the two-day examination continues into Sunday, March 15, the state government has emphasised its commitment to “respect, equality and sensitivity towards all sections of society.” No official comment has yet come from the question-setting agency, and the full impact on the examination process remains unclear pending the probe.
This latest episode has once again highlighted the delicate balance required in framing competitive exam questions in a diverse society, with calls for stricter vetting mechanisms gaining traction.
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