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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has integrated Aadhaar verification and AI surveillance to enhance the security and integrity of its competitive examinations.
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This initiative follows recent controversies such as the Puja Khedkar case and NEET paper leak, aiming to prevent malpractice through advanced technology and streamlined candidate verification.
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According to COINOTAG sources, over 92% of candidates have opted for Aadhaar-based authentication within the first week of the new UPSC portal launch, reflecting strong adoption of the security measures.
UPSC implements Aadhaar verification and AI surveillance to secure exams, with over 90% candidate adoption, enhancing transparency and efficiency in competitive testing.
UPSC’s Adoption of Aadhaar Verification: A New Era in Exam Security
The UPSC’s recent update to its online portal, launched on May 28, introduces a multi-step registration process requiring candidates to create accounts, complete universal registration, fill out common forms, and upload necessary documents. A key feature is the voluntary Aadhaar authentication, which candidates can opt for via e-KYC or manual verification. This system significantly reduces repetitive data entry and allows candidates to reuse their information across multiple examinations, including the Civil Services Examination, CDS, and NDA. The streamlined process not only enhances user convenience but also fortifies identity verification, reducing the risk of impersonation and fraud.
AI Surveillance Integration: Monitoring Exam Integrity in Real-Time
Complementing Aadhaar verification, UPSC is deploying AI-enabled cameras in examination halls, with each camera monitoring up to 24 candidates simultaneously. These intelligent systems are programmed to detect suspicious behaviors such as unusual movements by candidates or invigilators and any irregular activities near exam stations. Upon detecting anomalies, the system triggers immediate notifications, enabling swift intervention. This proactive approach aims to deter cheating and maintain a fair examination environment. UPSC has also instituted penalties and fees for verification failures or equipment tampering, underscoring its commitment to exam integrity.
Candidate Adoption and Data Protection Measures
Within a week of the portal’s launch, approximately 2.65 lakh candidates registered, with 1.13 lakh completing universal registration and 1.05 lakh opting for Aadhaar verification. This high adoption rate demonstrates candidate trust in the new system. While Aadhaar authentication remains voluntary, candidates who choose not to use it may experience delays due to manual verification processes. UPSC has emphasized robust data protection protocols, particularly for disabled candidates, ensuring that personal information is handled securely and the application process remains accessible and transparent for all Group A and B central services aspirants.
Operational Efficiency and Future Outlook
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar highlighted that the new platform eliminates redundant data entry, allowing candidates to reuse their details across various examinations, thereby improving operational efficiency. The tender for the AI surveillance system is scheduled for submission by July 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the commission’s digital transformation journey. This integration of biometric verification and AI surveillance sets a new benchmark for examination security in India, potentially serving as a model for other government bodies and educational institutions.
Conclusion
UPSC’s strategic implementation of Aadhaar verification combined with AI-powered surveillance represents a significant advancement in securing competitive examinations. By enhancing candidate verification processes and real-time monitoring, UPSC aims to uphold examination integrity while improving user experience. This initiative not only addresses recent security challenges but also paves the way for more transparent and efficient examination management in the future.
