UPSC To Use Aadhaar-Based Authentication For Candidate Verification After Centre's Nod—All You Need To Know

**Original:** In a first, the Centre on Wednesday allowed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to perform Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates' identity on a voluntary basis, both at the time of registration and during various stages of examinations and recruitment. The move assumes significance as the commission last month cancelled the provisional candidature of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar and debarred her from all future examinations for fraudulently availing attempts in the civil services examination beyond eligibility.

**Rewritten:** In a first, the Centre has permitted the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to carry out Aadhaar-based identity verification of candidates on a voluntary basis.

This applies both during candidate registration and throughout various stages of examinations and recruitment.

The decision gains importance in light of the recent cancellation of probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar's provisional candidature by the commission.

The UPSC also debarred her from all future exams for fraudulently exceeding the allowed number of attempts in the civil services examination.

Additionally, Khedkar faces serious allegations, including the misuse of disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC) (non-creamy layer) quotas, among other charges.

According to a notification from the personnel ministry, the UPSC "is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on voluntary basis, for verification of identity of candidates at the time of registration on 'One Time Registration' portal and various stages of examination/recruitment test, using Yes/No or/and e-KYC authentication facility", news agency PTI reported.

The commission is required to strictly follow all provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. This includes adhering to the rules and regulations associated with the act, as well as the directions issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), according to the notification.

Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number issued by the UIDAI to eligible citizens, based on their biometric and demographic data.

In July, the UPSC took several actions against Khedkar, including registering a forgery case against her for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking identity.

After this, the Delhi Police registered a case and started its probe.

Khedkar, who was provisionally allotted to the Indian Administrative Service (2023 batch, Maharashtra cadre), was accused of misusing power and privileges during her training in Pune.

In June, the UPSC decided to implement facial recognition and artificial intelligence-based CCTV surveillance systems to curb cheating and impersonation in its various examinations.

The commission, via a tender document, invited bids from experienced public sector undertakings to develop two technological solutions: "Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (or digital fingerprint capturing) and facial recognition of candidates and QR code scanning of e-admit cards" and "Live AI-based CCTV surveillance service" to be used during the examination process.

The UPSC conducts 14 major examinations annually, including the prestigious civil services examination, which selects officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).

Additionally, the commission conducts numerous recruitment tests and interviews for induction into Group 'A' and Group 'B' posts within the central government.

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