UPSC to Introduce Face Authentication for All Exams: Key Points for Aspirants

 

UPSC to Introduce Face Authentication for All Exams: Key Points for Aspirants

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that all candidates appearing in its examinations will undergo face authentication at examination centres. This marks a major technological reform aimed at strengthening the integrity and transparency of India’s premier recruitment process.

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Background

1. Pilot Project (September 2025)

• UPSC conducted a pilot programme using AI-enabled facial recognition.

• Implemented with the help of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).

• Conducted at select centres in Gurugram, Haryana.

• Candidates’ live facial images were matched with:

  • Photographs uploaded during registration.

• Verification time reduced to just 8–10 seconds per candidate.

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2. New Tender (July 10, 2025)

UPSC issued a tender to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to implement a comprehensive biometric system including:

• Facial recognition

• Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (or digital fingerprint capture)

• QR code scanning of e-admit cards

Scope:

• Around 14 major examinations

• Nearly 3,000 venues across 180 centres

• Up to 12 lakh candidates

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Why This Move?

A. Exam Integrity Concerns

Recent controversies:

1. NEET Examination Irregularities

2. Puja Khedkar Case (IAS Probationer)

   • Alleged misuse of:

     • Identity documents

     • Benchmark Disability (PwBD) certificate

   • Accused of securing extra attempts in CSE-2022.

   • Criminal case registered for fraud and misrepresentation.

These incidents raised serious questions about:

• Impersonation

• Fake certificates

• Unfair means in competitive exams

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B. Rule Changes in CSE 2024

To prevent misuse:

• Mandatory online submission of educational, caste, and disability certificates at Prelims stage itself

• Earlier, verification was done only after qualifying Mains.

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Significance for Governance & Policy

1. Use of AI in Public Administration

• Example of e-Governance + AI for service delivery

• Enhances:

  • Efficiency

  • Transparency

  • Accountability

2. Federal & Constitutional Dimensions

• Links to:

  • Right to Equality (Article 14) – fair competition

  • Right to Privacy (Article 21) – requires secure handling of biometric data

• Raises issues of:

  • Data protection

  • Consent

  • Cyber security

3. Institutional Credibility

• UPSC is a constitutional body under Article 315.

• Maintaining trust in its examination system is vital for:

  • Meritocracy

  • Democratic governance

  • Bureaucratic legitimacy

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UPSC Mains Relevance

GS Paper II (Polity & Governance)

• Role of constitutional bodies

• Reforms in recruitment systems

• Transparency and accountability

GS Paper III (Science & Technology / Internal Security)

• AI and biometrics in governance

• Cyber security and data protection

• Use of technology to prevent fraud

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Mains-Ready Conclusion

The introduction of AI-based facial authentication by UPSC represents a shift towards technology-driven integrity mechanisms in public recruitment. While it promises efficiency and fraud prevention, it also underscores the need for robust data protection frameworks and ethical use of biometrics. This reform reflects how constitutional institutions are adapting to emerging challenges in the digital age to preserve fairness, credibility, and public trust.