TV
In a decisive effort to strengthen examination integrity and tackle impersonation, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to introduce Aadhaar-linked biometric verification and artificial intelligence-based surveillance for its recruitment examinations from June onwards. However, these new measures will not apply to the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, taking place this Sunday, which will involve approximately 9.5 lakh candidates across 80 centres nationwide.
New Measures to Enhance Exam Integrity
Sources indicate that the upcoming protocol will include fingerprint matching, facial recognition, and QR code scanning of electronic admit cards. Furthermore, AI-driven live CCTV surveillance will be implemented to detect and deter impersonation and identify any irregular conduct during examinations.
This shift follows mounting scrutiny of UPSC’s verification processes, particularly after the high-profile Puja Khedkar case. The former IAS probationer stands accused of manipulating personal details and utilising multiple identities to exceed the allowed number of attempts in the Civil Services Examination. The Commission annulled her 2022 candidature after discovering discrepancies in her applications, including changes to her name and parental information. Although the matter is now before the courts, it prompted a systemic review of UPSC’s examination protocols.
Foundation for Reform
The groundwork for this digital overhaul began last year when UPSC sought technical bids from public sector entities to develop a secure identification system. Following this, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) granted approval for voluntary use of Aadhaar authentication in various stages of the recruitment cycle.
Retrospective Review and Procedural Reforms
In response to the Khedkar incident, the UPSC carried out a retrospective audit of over 15,000 successful candidates between 2009 and 2023. No further cases of irregularities involving repeated attempts were found, but the episode underscored the urgency of reinforcing identity verification procedures.
To ensure future compliance and prevent recurrence, the UPSC has pledged to refine its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These changes mark a significant move towards improved transparency and accountability in one of India’s most esteemed recruitment frameworks.
