UPSC Overhauls Exams: AI CCTV, Facial ID, QR Codes to Curb Cheating

Published Date: 25/07/2024

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to introduce cutting-edge technologies, including Aadhaar-based fingerprint verification, facial recognition, and QR code scanning, to prevent fraud and impersonation in official government exams.

"The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to harness the power of advanced digital technologies to revamp its examination framework in response to recent instances of fraud and cheating in official government exams. The commission intends to implement modern Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition for candidates to prevent impersonation during exams. 

To take it a step further, technological solutions including artificial intelligence (AI)-powered closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and QR code scanning of e-admit cards are also being planned. The objective is to create a foolproof system that can detect and prevent any attempts at cheating or fraud. 

The UPSC conducts fourteen exams annually, which include the Civil Services Examination (CSE) as well as several recruitment exams and interviews for high-level government positions. Public sector undertakings (PSUs) are invited to submit proposals to the UPSC to supply technology services for its examinations. 

The tender documents specify that the provider of these services would receive the exam schedule, venue list, and candidate count two to three weeks before the exam. The selected bidder should be a profit-making entity having an average annual turnover of at least Rs 100 crore from examination-based projects during the last three financial years. 

This move comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding exam fraud, including the suspension of the National Testing Agency (NTA) by the Supreme Court following the discovery of multiple irregularities in the administration of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) 2024. 

The UPSC has also issued a show-cause notice to trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who reportedly falsified paperwork to stand for the civil service test on twelve occasions—more than the number of allowed attempts. Delhi Police has also opened a complaint against Khedkar, which was brought by the UPSC. 

The implementation of these advanced technologies is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of cheating and fraud in official government exams, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process for candidates."

FAQs:

"Q: What is the UPSC's plan to prevent cheating and fraud in exams?

A: The UPSC plans to implement advanced digital technologies, including Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, AI-powered CCTV surveillance, and QR code scanning of e-admit cards, to prevent cheating and fraud in exams.

Q: How many exams does the UPSC conduct annually?

A: The UPSC conducts fourteen exams annually, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and several recruitment exams and interviews for high-level government positions.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for bidders to supply technology services to the UPSC?

A: The selected bidder should be a profit-making entity having an average annual turnover of at least Rs 100 crore from examination-based projects during the last three financial years.

Q: What is the recent controversy surrounding the National Testing Agency (NTA)?

A: The National Testing Agency (NTA) was recently suspended by the Supreme Court following the discovery of multiple irregularities in the administration of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) 2024.

Q: What action has been taken against trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar?

A: The UPSC has issued a show-cause notice to trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who reportedly falsified paperwork to stand for the civil service test on twelve occasions—more than the number of allowed attempts. Delhi Police has also opened a complaint against Khedkar, which was brought by the UPSC."

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