UPSC Allowed To Implement Aadhaar-Based Authentication of Candidates For All Its Exams: Centre

New Delhi: The central government has asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for applicants. The move aims to verify the candidates' identities voluntarily. The decision follows a recent incident of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar who allegedly misused the OBC and PwBD quotas to avail more attempts in the UPSC civil services exam. Her provisional candidature has been cancelled by UPSC. 

The Aadhaar-based authentication will be applied during the registration of candidates at various stages of exam and recruitment. 

"UPSC is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on a voluntary basis, for verification of identity of candidates at the time of registration on 'One Time Registration' portal and various stages of examination/recruitment test, using Yes/No or/and e-KYC authentication facility,” a notification from the personnel ministry read. 

The commission shall adhere to all provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, “the rules and regulations made thereunder” and directions issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the notification added.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit  unique identification number issued by UIDAI. It is based on the biometric and demographic data of Indian citizens. Authenticating candidates using their Aadhaar number will ensure transparency and accuracy of their background. This will also prevent a candidate from filling out more than one application form in an exam. Moreover, this will also restrict candidates from changing their names or surnames while applying for the exam, adding an extra layer of security. 

Notably, in June 2024, UPSC announced the integration of facial recognition and artificial intelligence (AI)-based CCTV surveillance to prevent cheating and impersonation during exams. 

Through a tender document, UPSC invited bids from experienced public sector undertakings to devise two tech solutions — “Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (else digital fingerprint capturing) and facial recognition of candidates and QR code scanning of e-admit cards” and “Live AI-based CCTV surveillance service” — to be used during the examination process.

UPSC conducts 14 major exams annually, including the prestigious civil services examination to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), besides several recruitment tests and interviews every year for induction to Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts of the central government. Lakhs of candidates appear in such recruitment conducted across the country.

(With PTI inputs)