Patna: A large-scale verification drive of teachers’ educational credentials in Bihar has unearthed a deep-rooted recruitment scam, with 2,912 teachers found to have secured appointments using fake certificates, officials of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau confirmed.

The verification exercise, one of the most extensive undertaken by the state, has so far examined the original educational documents of 6,46,796 appointed teachers. The probe, conducted through systematic coordination with universities and education boards, has led to the registration of 1,707 FIRs till November 30, 2025.

Officials said the investigation has revealed not just individual cases of forgery but organised rackets that allegedly facilitated government jobs using fabricated degrees over several years. In many instances, certificates submitted during recruitment failed authentication checks when cross-verified with issuing institutions.

The Vigilance Bureau has been conducting monthly reviews to monitor progress and prevent procedural lapses. Data shared by officials shows that 126 new FIRs were registered in 2025 alone, indicating that the scam remains active and widespread. March recorded the highest number of FIRs (21), followed by January (16) and November (15).

Investigators believe the actual scale of irregular appointments could be larger, as verification is still underway. “As more certificates are examined, the number of fake cases may increase,” a senior vigilance official said.

Under existing service rules, teachers found guilty of submitting forged documents face dismissal, apart from criminal proceedings under relevant sections of law. Legal action is also being considered against middlemen and networks allegedly involved in manufacturing and circulating fake educational credentials.

The revelations have raised serious questions about past recruitment processes and oversight mechanisms. Education department officials are now expected to tighten verification protocols and explore reforms to prevent future misuse.

The vigilance investigation remains ongoing, with authorities signalling that further disclosures are likely as scrutiny deepens across districts.