Over 260 police inspectors and sub-inspectors in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district sat for a rigorous one-hour exam on September 7, testing their grasp of India's newly enacted criminal laws. The objective test, featuring 75 challenging questions, was held under strict supervision at Baghpat Police Lines, marking a proactive step by local authorities to enhance conviction rates in criminal cases.

Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai spearheaded the "Baudhik Kshamta Pariksha" (Reasoning Capacity Test) after observing that many investigation officers struggled to build airtight cases for court proceedings. "Our goal is to ensure effective case handling and higher conviction rates," Rai told PTI. High scorers will be assigned to high-profile investigations, while underperformers will undergo targeted training in the department's training cell.

The exam focused on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replacing the Indian Penal Code), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhiniya, 2023 (replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (replacing the Indian Evidence Act), which came into effect on July 1, 2025.

Rai emphasized that Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has mandated aptitude-based assignments in specialized areas like forensics, cybercrime, legal knowledge, fieldwork, and report drafting. "This test aligns with DGP's vision to match officers' strengths with their roles," he said. Among the 260 participants, including 42 women officers, Rai is personally evaluating the answer sheets to gauge overall performance and identify training needs. Plans are underway to conduct these assessments regularly, fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability within the force.

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The initiative has been praised by frontline officers. Station House Officer (SHO) of Baghpat Kotwali, who also took the test, commended its comprehensive coverage. "It delved into all facets of daily policing, with a strong emphasis on thorough investigations, crimes against women, and the nuances of the new laws," he said. "This will undoubtedly lead to more convictions by ensuring officers are well-versed in practical applications."

Veteran SHO Manoj Kumar Chahal of Baraut police station, who joined as a constable in 1994, shared his perspective: "My last exam was around 2011-12. With the new laws in place, this was a much-needed refresh. The questions were innovative, blending theory with real-world scenarios, which truly tests an officer's readiness." He applauded SP Rai for thinking outside the box, noting that such exercises will bridge the gap between outdated training and modern legal requirements.

However, the exam hasn't been without controversy. A video circulating on social media allegedly shows some examinees resorting to unfair means, prompting Rai to launch an inquiry. "We are investigating the matter thoroughly to maintain the integrity of the process," he assured.

This pilot in Baghpat could set a precedent for other districts in Uttar Pradesh, one of India's largest states with a sprawling police force of over 200,000 personnel. As the new laws aim to modernize the criminal justice system—emphasizing speed, technology, and victim rights—initiatives like this are crucial for their successful implementation. By prioritizing knowledge and aptitude, the UP police are gearing up to deliver swifter justice, potentially transforming how crimes are investigated and prosecuted across the region.

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