As the controversy surrounding former trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar continues to dominate headlines, the Centre has taken a major step by allowing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to implement Aadhaar-based authentication for verifying the identity of candidates on a voluntary basis. The new system will be implemented right from the time of registration through various stages of examinations and recruitment processes.
In a notification issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions announced that the UPSC has now been authorised to conduct Aadhaar authentication during registration on the ‘One Time Registration’ portal and during the examination and recruitment tests. This will include either Yes/No or e-KYC authentication facilities, as reported by the news agency PTI number.
This move raises questions about the Aadhaar-based system and the possible changes it will bring to the existing examination process.
Understanding Aadhaar-based Authentication
In July 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had already indicated that it planned to integrate Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, digital fingerprint capture and facial recognition in its examination processes. The commission also plans to incorporate QR code scanning of e-Admit Cards and monitor examinations through live AI-based CCTV surveillance.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) defines Aadhaar authentication as the process of submitting the Aadhaar number, along with demographic or biometric information, to the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for verification. The CIDR then validates the accuracy of the information against its records.
Simply put, Aadhaar authentication is a digital verification method using a 12-digit Aadhaar number issued by UIDAI, which is linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic data.
Types of Aadhaar based authentication
There are four primary types of Aadhaar-based authentication:
1. Demographic authentication
2. Authentication based on one-time PIN code (OTP)
3. Biometric authentication
4. Multi-factor authentication
Aadhaar Authentication in UPSC Exams
Candidates registering for UPSC exams are required to provide their Aadhaar card details so that the commission can verify their identity during the application process.
The UPSC tender notification of July 2024 outlined the responsibilities of service providers in implementing Aadhaar-based authentication. These instructions include:
– Use of UPSC provided data for fingerprint and facial recognition during examinations.
– Deploying QR code scanners and sufficient manpower at exam locations to ensure smooth authentication.
– Ensure that all captured data is synchronized with the main server and reported to UPSC within 30 minutes before the end of each examination period.
– Scanning the QR code on the access cards to automatically retrieve the candidate’s details, followed by fingerprint and facial recognition.
All authentication activities must be completed prior to each exam period according to the established schedule.
Khedkar Controversy: A Catalyst for Change?
The introduction of Aadhaar-based authentication by the UPSC comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar. The former trainee IAS officer is accused of fraudulently attempting extra attempts in the civil services exam, abusing quotas for disability and Other Backward Classes (OBC) and misusing privileges during her education in Pune.
Khedkar, who has been provisionally assigned to the Indian Administrative Service (Batch 2023, Maharashtra cadre), has highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the current examination system, prompting the Centre to strengthen identity verification processes.
UPSC exams this year
Amidst these developments, the UPSC is gearing up to conduct several important examinations in September 2024:
– NDA exam II 2024: September 1, 2024
– CDS exam II 2024: September 1, 2024
– Civil Service Exam (major subject) 2024: September 20, 2024 (five days)
First publication: Aug 30, 2024 | 12:45 PM IST