Upcoming changes in UPSC exams: Implementation of Aadhaar authentication and artificial intelligence to strengthen security measures.
Freshening Up with Aadhaar and AI in UPSC Exams
Helpers, let's dive into the latest buzz surrounding UPSC's exam procedures! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has stepped up its game with Aadhaar verification and artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance. Yep, you heard that right!
This new strategy goes hand-in-hand with recent controversies, like the Puja Khedkar case and the NEET paper leak, that brought up some genuine concerns about the security of competitive exams.
Now, let's walk through the new-look UPSC online portal, launched on May 28, shall we? Candidates need to do four things: create an account, register universally, fill out the common form, and upload their documents for the exam. No sweat! Plus, you can effortlessly check your Individual Candidate Facilitation Centre (ICFC) account with Aadhaar - just press 'Yes' or 'No' or use e-KYC.
By June 4, more than 92% of the registered users were all about the Aadhaar verification. With over 2.65 lakh users joining the fray, about 1.13 lakh of them completed universal registration, and 1.05 lakh of them confirmed their details via Aadhaar.
The Chairman of UPSC stressed that this new platform allows candidates to reuse the same saved information for tests like the Civil Services Examination, Combined Defense Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA), and more. The tender for this sweet setup should be submitted by July 30, 2025.
But wait, there's more! AI-equipped cameras are set to be installed in the exam rooms, monitoring 24 candidates at once. These bad boys detect unusual behavior, like unusual movements or activities near the exam station. And if anything fishy happens, you'll get immediate notifications and fines, of course.
In an interview, UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said the new platform removes repetitive data entry, making for a seamless and efficient experience for candidates.
While Aadhaar usage is optional, those who don't use it might face manual checks, which could potentially affect their evaluation. UPSC ensures data protection for disabled candidates and a straightforward, honest application process for all Group A and B central services.
FYI, OpenAI is also eyeing an Indian partnership under their 'OpenAI for Countries' plan. Stay tuned for more on that! 😎🕹️🚀
Insight:- Timeline: Starting June 2025, Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and AI surveillance will be integrated for UPSC exams, with the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 unaffected.- Security Features: Features include Aadhaar-based biometric verification, QR code verification for electronic admit cards, and AI-powered CCTV monitoring to spot dubious activities like impersonation.- Background: The security upgrade stems from previous issues, like the Puja Khedkar case, to enhance exam integrity and deter malpractices.- Contract: The UPSC has invited tenders for public sector companies to deploy advanced verification systems, with the deadline set for July 30, 2025.
Businesses in technology are now finding opportunities in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as they prepare to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and Aadhaar-based biometric authentication into their exam procedures. This move follows the recent controversies in competitive exams, such as the Puja Khedkar case and the NEET paper leak, which highlighted the need for enhanced security measures. The implementation of these new security features, including AI-powered CCTV monitoring and QR code verification for electronic admit cards, is expected to start from June 2025, aiming to reduce malpractices, improve exam integrity, and ensure a smooth and efficient application process for all candidates.
