All candidates will have to undergo face authentication at exam venues, says UPSC, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The UPSC will implement mandatory face authentication for all candidates at exam venues.
• A pilot program using AI-enabled facial authentication was successfully tested in September 2025.
• The pilot program reduced candidate verification time to 8-10 seconds per candidate.
• This initiative aims to enhance security and streamline entry for candidates.
• UPSC conducts approximately 14 major examinations across 180 centers with up to 12 lakh candidates.

Detailed Insights:

• The facial authentication system matches candidate photos from registration forms with live images.
• The pilot program was conducted with assistance from the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) in Gurugram, Haryana.
• In July 2025, UPSC sought bids for biometric verification to prevent cheating and impersonation.
• The new system will incorporate Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, and QR code scanning of e-admit cards.
• These changes follow concerns about examination integrity, including the NEET examination row and the Puja Khedkar case.
• Puja Khedkar allegedly used forged documents to gain entry into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
• Rules were amended in 2024 to mandate online submission of certificates at the preliminary examination stage.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Face Authentication: A security process that verifies a person's identity through their facial features.
• Biometric Authentication: Using unique biological traits to verify identity, such as fingerprints or facial features.
• National e-Governance Division (NeGD): An entity that supports the government in various e-governance projects.