UPSC candidates required to undergo face authentication at exam centres

The Hindu
The Hindu
2h ago
UPSC said all candidates appearing in its examinations will undergo face authentication at the exam venue, expanding an AI-enabled verification system piloted in September 2025.
UPSC candidates required to undergo face authentication at exam centres
A What happened
UPSC said all candidates appearing in examinations conducted by the Commission will undergo face authentication at the venue. In September 2025, UPSC piloted AI-enabled facial authentication for candidate verification during two examinations at select centres in Gurugram, Haryana, with assistance from the National e-Governance Division. UPSC said the pilot digitally matched candidates’ facial images with photographs submitted in registration forms and reduced verification time to an average of 8–10 seconds per candidate. UPSC said the initiative seeks to strengthen examination integrity and enhance ease of entry at examination centres.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Pilot results cited for faster verification: UPSC said the facial authentication pilot reduced verification time to an average of 8–10 seconds per candidate while adding an extra layer of security.

  • 2

    Biometric verification framed as anti-impersonation measure: A July 10, 2025 UPSC tender sought biometric matching, including fingerprint authentication and facial recognition, to prevent cheating, fraud, unfair means, and impersonation.

  • 3

    Rule and process changes linked to integrity concerns: UPSC introduced changes over the past two years to strengthen the examination system amid the NEET examination row and Puja Khedkar’s case.

Takeaways

UPSC has moved to require face authentication at exam centres for all its examination candidates, citing integrity and entry-process improvements demonstrated in a September 2025 pilot.

Topics

Work & Education Education Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice

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