Latest news with #PujaKhedkar
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
UPSC Bolsters Exam Security with Aadhaar Authentication, AI Surveillance
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The UPSC has implemented Aadhaar-based identity verification for exam integrity, with over 92% acceptance. Advanced technologies like fingerprint authentication and AI surveillance enhance security. The new portal streamlines applications for various exams. New Delhi: In a bold move to fortify examination integrity, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) reported that just one week after launching its overhauled online portal with Aadhaar-based authentication on May 28, over 92 per cent of registered candidates have accepted the new identity verification method. Spurred by the Puja Khedkar controversy and the NEET paper leak scandal, the UPSC is deploying cutting-edge technologies - including Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, QR code scanning for e-admit cards, and AI-driven CCTV surveillance - to safeguard its examination process. The revamped portal, accessible at streamlines applications for UPSC's 14 annual exams, such as the Civil Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, and National Defence Academy Examination, through a four-step process - account creation, universal registration, a standardised application form, and exam-specific submissions. As on June 4, roughly 2.65 lakh accounts were registered, with 1.13 lakh users completing universal registration, 1.05 lakh of whom opted for Aadhaar verification. Approximately 60,000 candidates submitted the common application form, while 55,000 applications remained under review. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar reportedly said they have removed repetitive data entry, enabling candidates to reuse their details across exams for a seamless and efficient experience. Marking a historic shift, the UPSC had adopted Aadhaar authentication for the first time on August 28, 2024 to implement the voluntary Aadhaar verification using Yes/No or e-KYC methods during registration and exams. In the Puja Khedkar case, the former IAS probationer allegedly submitted 12 forged documents to bypass attempt limits for the 2022 Civil Services Examination. The UPSC nullified her candidature, filed a criminal case, and the DoPT dismissed her from service. Ms Khedkar, denying the charges, is contesting the decisions in court. To further tighten security, the UPSC issued a tender for public sector companies, with a deadline of July 30, 2025 to deploy advanced verification systems. The chosen company will enter a three-year contract, receiving candidate details - name, roll number, and photo - seven days prior to exams for Aadhaar-based fingerprint and facial recognition authentication. Exam centers will be equipped with fingerprint scanners and facial recognition devices, using data from online Aadhaar registrations. The contracted company is prohibited from entering exam venues for verification. Exam rooms will also feature AI-powered CCTV cameras, with a minimum of one camera per 24 candidates, programmed to detect suspicious activities like unauthorised movement, prolonged invigilator loitering, disorganised setups, or activity one hour before or after exams. Real-time alerts will flag irregularities, with penalties imposed for disabled cameras or failed verifications. All exam data must be transferred to the UPSC post-exam, with strict protocols ensuring candidate data remains confidential and provisions for accessibility for disabled candidates. Covering recruitment for Group A and B government posts, the portal encourages Aadhaar use for swift verification, as alternative identity methods may cause delays.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
After Puja Khedkar row, 92% UPSC applicants voluntarily opt for Aadhaar authentication on new exam portal
A week after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) launched its revamped exam portal with Aadhaar-based authentication, over 92% of those who registered have opted to use their Aadhaar for identity verification, The Indian Express has learnt. The new portal, launched on May 28, is part of a broader push to streamline the application process for exams conducted by the UPSC. Candidates are now required to register through a four-step process—account creation, universal registration, common application form, and examination application—on the portal As of Wednesday, the UPSC said 2.65 lakh accounts had been created on the new platform. Of these, 1.13 lakh users completed the universal registration, and 1.05 lakh of them chose Aadhaar authentication. About 60,000 had filled the common application form, while 55,000 forms were still under process. 'We are continuously improving the features and user-friendliness of the portal. The focus is on eliminating duplication—candidates won't have to enter their information multiple times. Once submitted, it can be reused for various exams, improving their convenience,' UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar told The Indian Express. This is the first time the UPSC is implementing biometric-based authentication for its exams. Though Aadhaar had been accepted as one of several ID documents earlier, the Commission did not previously carry out biometric authentication. That changed in August last year, when the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) authorised the UPSC to conduct Aadhaar authentication—on a voluntary basis—for verifying candidates' identity. The DoPT notification, issued on August 28, 2024, allowed the UPSC to use Aadhaar verification at the registration stage and during various phases of the examination and recruitment process, using either Yes/No or e-KYC authentication. The decision followed the high-profile case of Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer who allegedly appeared for the 2022 Civil Services Examination despite exceeding the maximum number of allowed attempts. The UPSC later cancelled her candidature, citing discrepancies in her application, including changes to her name and her parents' names across attempts. The DoPT subsequently dismissed her from service. Khedkar has denied the allegations and challenged the decisions in court. The new portal covers 14 major UPSC exams, including the Civil Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, and the National Defence Academy Examination. While Aadhaar authentication is voluntary, officials said the UPSC is encouraging candidates to opt for it, as it speeds up verification. Those choosing other forms of ID may face delays in the authentication process. In a statement on May 28, the UPSC had said: 'Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as ID document in the Universal Application for easy, effortless and seamless verification and authentication of ID and other details, after which it serves as a permanent and common record for all examinations.' Damini Nath is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. She covers the housing and urban affairs and Election Commission beats. She has 11 years of experience as a reporter and sub-editor. Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she was a reporter with The Hindu's national bureau covering culture, social justice, housing and urban affairs and the Election Commission. ... Read More
India Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
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 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 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 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 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 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.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SC grants pre-arrest bail to ex-IAS trainee officer in UPSC fraud case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee officer Puja Khedkar, accused of forging documents to obtain eligibility for the 2022 civil services examination exam. 'Having regard to the nature of offences registered against her and bearing in mind the facts and circumstances of the case, this is a fit case where the high court ought to have granted the relief of anticipatory bail to the appellant,' a bench led by justice BV Nagarathna said. While disposing off Khedkar's plea, the court also permitted Delhi police to seek cancellation of bail in the event she is found to tamper with evidence, influence witnesses or not cooperating with the probe. 'In the event of her arrest, the appellant shall be released on shall extend full cooperation in the investigation and shall not misuse her liberty. She shall not, in anyway, influence the witnesses or tamper with the materials on record,' the bench, also comprising justice SC Sharma, said. The court further required her to furnish cash sureties of ₹25,000 with two live sureties. In December 2024, the Delhi high court refused to grant her anticipatory bail, forming a prima facie view that a larger conspiracy needs to be probed behind her attempt to dupe the UPSC. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Khedkar along with advocate Bina Madhavan, pointed out that pursuant to the order passed last month, she has been cooperating with the probe and had appeared before the officer concerned on May 2. Khedkar was granted protection from arrest in February this year and this order was extended from time to time. Luthra urged the court to consider making the relief permanent subject to the conditions that the court may impose. The police opposed the grant of pre-arrest bail ,pointing out that the investigation is still on and the charges against her are serious. However, the court balanced the apprehension of the state in its order, saying, 'Should there be any violation of the aforesaid conditions, liberty is granted to the respondents to seek cancellation of anticipatory bail.' As per the case against Khedkar, from 2012 to 2017, she appeared in the CSE using an OBC certificate issued to her by sub-divisional officer, Pathravi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. In 2018, when the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD) Act came into force, she became eligible to appear as PwBD candidate and appeared as such in the CSE since 2018. According to the investigation conducted against her, while attempting CSE 2020, she had already exhausted all the nine permissible attempts available to PwBD + OBC candidates and was not eligible to appear in CSE 2021. However, she changed her name in 2021, and appeared in CSE 2021, 2022, and 2023 by making 'incorrect or false statements' regarding the number of attempts already availed by her. The UPSC issued her show cause notices in July last year for alleged suppression of information. This was followed by show cause notice issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension before UPSC cancelled her provisional candidature on July 31, 2024. Khedkar, in her petition, said that the high court failed to appreciate that the charges against her pertain to cheating and fraud based on documentary evidence which is already in possession of the police, making it a fit case for grant of anticipatory bail. She claimed to be suffering from multiple disability of low vision, hearing impairment, and mental illness to be eligible under the disability category as well.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Has she killed someone, asks Supreme Court, grants bail to Puja Khedkar
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar , who is facing allegations of using fake OBC & PwD certificates in the civil services (UPSC) examination. Facing threat of being arrested, she had moved the court for pre-arrest bail in the case. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, while allowing her plea and granting her relief claimed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, said, "What is the grave crime she has committed? She is not a drug lord or a terrorist. She has not committed 302 (murder). She is not an NDPS offender. You should have a system or a software. You complete the investigation. She has lost everything and will not get a job anywhere. " The bench ordered: "Having regard to the nature of offences registered against her and bearing in mind the facts and circumstances of the case, this is a fit case where HC ought to have granted the relief of anticipatory bail to the appellant herein. In the event of arrest the appellant be released on bail, furnishing cash sureties of Rs 25,000 with two live sureties. She shall not misuse her liberty and shall not in any way influence the witnesses or tamper with the material on records. Should there be any violation of the aforesaid conditions, the liberty is reserved to the respondent to seek cancellation of anticipatory bail." 'SC order validates my stance' Khedkar said that she was "relieved" by SC order granting her anticipatory bail. "SC order validates my stance. A wrong narrative against me was built in the media, but I was certain that I would get justice," she said.
