UPSC rolls out Aadhaar-based identity verification for exams

UPSC to verify identity of candidates appearing for exams through Aadhaar authentication

In a groundbreaking decision, the Central government has authorized the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for verifying candidates’ identities on a voluntary basis. This move will be applied at multiple stages, including registration and various examination and recruitment processes.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions announced that, under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016, and the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, the UPSC can now use Aadhaar authentication methods. This includes both Yes/ No responses and e-KYC facilities, to verify the identity of candidates at the time of registration through the ‘One Time Registration‘ portal and during subsequent stages of examinations and recruitment tests.

The move aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of candidate verification processes while providing an optional layer of security for the UPSC’s operations.

“Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) shall adhere to all provisions of the Act, the rules and regulations made there under, and directions issued by the ‘Unique Identification Authority of India‘,” the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievanves, and Pensions said.

The UPSC conducts Civil Services Examinations (Preliminary, Main, and Interview/ Personality Test) for recruitment to the Services and Posts such as Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’, Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’, Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’, Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’, Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’, Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’, Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’, Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’ and others.

In July, the UPSC canceled the provisional candidature of Puja Khedkar, a candidate from the Civil Services Examination-2022, and permanently barred her from future exams. Khedkar, who ranked 821 in the exams, faces multiple allegations, including misuse of authority, demanding unauthorized privileges, and using a private car with a VIP beacon. She is also accused of occupying a senior officer’s office and removing office furniture without permission.

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Delhi Police and UPSC regarding Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, which challenges a district court’s denial of bail. The FIR against Khedkar alleges that she falsified her identity to gain extra attempts in the civil services exam.

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