In an attempt to enhance the integrity of its recruitment processes, the Centre has authorised the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for verifying candidates’ identities. This new measure, which will be adopted on a voluntary basis, will be in effect during registration and various stages of examinations and recruitment.
This development follows a high-profile scandal involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who was recently found guilty of manipulating the civil services examination system. Khedkar’s provisional candidature was cancelled, and she was barred from future UPSC exams after allegations surfaced that she had fraudulently utilised multiple attempts in the civil services examination beyond her eligibility and misused disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC) quotas.
The notification from the personnel ministry details that the UPSC will now have the option to use Aadhaar-based authentication through ‘One Time Registration’ on its portal. This will include Yes/No and e-KYC authentication facilities to verify candidates’ identities at various stages of the examination and recruitment process. The UPSC is required to comply with the Aadhaar Act of 2016, along with related rules and UIDAI guidelines.
Aadhaar, a 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), relies on biometric and demographic data to confirm the identity of citizens.
Additionally, the UPSC is adopting technological solutions to strengthen examination security. In June, the commission decided to integrate facial recognition and AI-based CCTV surveillance systems to combat cheating and impersonation. The UPSC has issued a tender for bids on two technological solutions: Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and live AI-based CCTV surveillance services, to be used during exams.
The UPSC conducts 14 major examinations annually, including the prestigious civil services examination for selection into the IAS, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). The commission also oversees numerous recruitment tests and interviews for various central government positions. Each year, lakhs of candidates participate in these examinations across the country.
