Amid NEET-NET Row, UPSC Proposes Facial Recognition, AI Surveillance to Prevent Cheating

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced plans to deploy advanced technology to ensure the integrity of its examinations amidst concerns over cheating and impersonation.

The commission has issued a tender inviting bids for two primary solutions: Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication or digital fingerprint capturing, facial recognition of candidates, and QR code scanning of e-admit cards. Additionally, live AI-based CCTV surveillance will be implemented during examinations.

This initiative, aimed at conducting exams in a fair and impartial manner, seeks to leverage digital tools to verify biometric details and monitor candidate activities in real-time. UPSC stressed the importance of preventing malpractices such as cheating and fraud, which undermine the credibility of examinations.

Under the proposed system, facial recognition will compare images provided during registration with those captured on exam day, ensuring strict identity verification. CCTV cameras will be strategically installed in examination venues to monitor candidate movements and detect anomalies, with AI capable of issuing alerts for suspicious activities like unauthorized entry or improper invigilator behaviour.

This move comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding other national-level exams like UGC-NET and NEET-UG, where allegations of irregularities have surfaced, necessitating investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The deadline for bids submission is July 7th, with UPSC aiming to enhance exam security and transparency through these technological advancements.