UPSC To Step Up Security With AI And Biometric Tech Amid Paper Leaks And Puja Khedkar Case; Tender Out For PSUs

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to introduce several new measures to curb cheating, fraud, and impersonation in its examinations.

These measures will include Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition for candidates, and live AI-driven CCTV surveillance as per a report by The Indian Express.

This initiative follows the case of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is under investigation by UPSC for allegedly faking her identity to bypass exam appearance norms and other multiple controversies surrounding the National Testing Agency's (NTA) conduct of exams like the NEET-UG.

UPSC has issued a tender inviting public sector undertakings (PSUs) to provide technological services for its exams.

The tender specifies services such as Aadhaar-based or digital fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, QR code scanning of e-admit cards, and live AI-driven CCTV surveillance.

According to the tender, UPSC will provide the exam schedule, venue details, and candidate numbers to the technology service provider two to three weeks prior to the exam for on-site preparations. Candidate details, including names, roll numbers, and photos, will be supplied seven days before the exam for fingerprint and facial recognition purposes.

The service provider must deploy handheld devices integrated with QR code scanners and sufficient manpower at each exam centre. The QR codes on admit cards will be scanned to retrieve candidate details from the UPSC database.

The service provider must verify candidate identities using data captured during the initial exam stages for the Mains examination, interviews, or verification processes.

Additionally, CCTVs will be installed in every exam hall to monitor the activities of candidates and exam personnel.