After Puja Khedkar Controversy, UPSC May Adopt AI, Facial Recognition Tech To Curb Cheating

New Delhi: Days after Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) found that the probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar—caught in controversy over alleged misuse of power—had allegedly faked her identity to appear in the civil services exam, it is now planning to introduce hi-tech measures in the exam system to curb fraudulent practices.

On July 18, a tender was issued by UPSC inviting bids for latest digital biometric technologies from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), according to media reports. These technologies will help UPSC to match and cross-check candidates’ biometric details and monitor activities during exams. These will help in preventing cheating, fraud, unfair practices, and impersonation.

What are these technologies?

• Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication or digital fingerprint capturing
• Facial recognition for candidates
• Also use QR code scanning for e-Admit Cards
• Live AI-based CCTV surveillance during exams

The tender has, however, not mentioned whether these will be implemented during the upcoming examinations. UPSC may choose to use any, all, or a combination of these services, either partially or fully, during its exams according to its discretion.

UPSC, a constitutional body, conducts 14 major examinations in a calendar year. It also holds a number of recruitment tests and interview for Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts in Central government departments.

Move comes after Puja Khedkar case

Last week, the UPSC had issued a show cause notice to the probationary IAS officer, Puja to cancel her appointment. In a statement, UPSC had alleged that the trainee IAS officer had “fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father’s & mother’s name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address.”