The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) has officially recognized 125 unaided secondary schools across the state, allowing their students to participate in high school (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) examinations starting in 2028. The recognition includes newly approved schools and additional sections for existing institutions. The Prayagraj region leads with 54 approvals, followed by Meerut with 27, Varanasi with 21, Gorakhpur with 14, and Bareilly with nine. In the 2026 UP Board exams, 21,336 students from unaided schools appeared for Class 10, while 13,583 participated in Class 12. However, the board withheld approval for 13 schools—12 in Prayagraj and one in Gorakhpur—due to failure to meet required standards. These schools must rectify deficiencies and reapply. Additionally, five schools received conditional recognition, with classes to commence only after meeting all stipulated requirements.