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Centre approves Aadhaar-based authentication for UPSC exams to enhance security
In a significant move, the Central government has authorised the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for verifying candidates’ identities on a voluntary basis. This new measure will be applied during the registration process and various stages of examinations and recruitment.
This decision follows recent actions against probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, whose provisional candidature was cancelled last month after she fraudulently availed more attempts in the civil services examination than her eligibility allowed. Khedkar has been accused of misusing quotas, including those for disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC – non-creamy layer).
In a notification, the personnel ministry said the 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”.
The UPSC has committed to adhering strictly to the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, along with all associated rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
The Aadhaar system, which is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by UIDAI, is based on the biometric and demographic data of Indian citizens. This new verification method is expected to bolster the integrity of the examination process.
In addition to the Aadhaar-based authentication, the UPSC had earlier taken steps to prevent fraud in its exams. In July, it initiated actions against Khedkar, including lodging a forgery case for identity fraud during the civil services exam. The Delhi Police has since begun investigating the case.
Furthermore, in June, the UPSC announced plans to integrate facial recognition and artificial intelligence (AI)-based CCTV surveillance to deter cheating and impersonation during exams. The Commission invited bids from public sector undertakings to develop two technological solutions: Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition of candidates, along with live AI-based CCTV surveillance to be used during exams.
The UPSC conducts 14 major exams annually, including the prestigious civil services examination, which selects candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). These exams, along with numerous other recruitment tests, are crucial for filling Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts within the central government, drawing large number of aspirants from across the country.
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