UPSC to use biometric, AI tools in exams from June to curb cheating
In a move aimed at tightening exam security and curbing fraudulent practices, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is preparing to introduce Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and AI-powered surveillance for its recruitment exams beginning June this year. However, this upgrade in examination protocol will not be applied to the upcoming Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, scheduled for Sunday, which will see nearly 9.5 lakh candidates across 80 centres.advertisementAccording to sources, the biometric verification system will include fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, and QR code scanning of e-admit cards. Additionally, live AI-enabled CCTV monitoring will be deployed to prevent impersonation and detect suspicious behaviour during exams.This decision comes in the wake of high-profile controversies such as the Puja Khedkar case, where the former IAS probationer was accused of using multiple identities to exceed the permissible number of attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The UPSC had revoked her candidature for the 2022 exam after determining that she had applied under different names, including changes to her parents' details. Although Khedkar has challenged the action in court, the incident has triggered a comprehensive review of UPSC's examination and verification systems.
The groundwork for the biometric and AI integration was laid last year when the UPSC invited bids from public sector undertakings for implementing the technological overhaul. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) later approved the Commission's request to use Aadhaar authentication voluntarily for identity verification at various stages of the recruitment process.advertisementUPSC Chairman Dr Ajay Kumar confirmed that the new systems will be operational for all exams starting in June. The Commission conducts 14 major exams annually, including the Civil Services, Engineering Services, and Combined Medical Services exams, among others.Following the Khedkar controversy, the UPSC conducted a retrospective analysis of over 15,000 candidates recommended between 2009 and 2023. The investigation revealed no other anomalies in terms of excessive attempts, reinforcing the need for a more robust identity verification framework.The UPSC has also committed to refining its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent similar breaches in the future, signaling a broader push toward greater transparency and accountability in one of the country's most prestigious recruitment processes.
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