UPSC All Set To Revamp Its Examination System

As per reports, the commission intends to integrate cutting-edge Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition for candidates

Stung by the Puja Khedkar episode, which have unearthed many loopholes in its examination system, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to revamp its entire examination process and make it more robust by adhering to advanced digital technologies.

Serious allegations have been levelled against Puja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer, who is accused of falsifying her identity to exceed the permissible attempt limit for the civil services exam, which she reportedly attempted 12 times.

The UPSC has initiated a criminal case against Khedkar, and the Delhi Police have also filed charges.

Furthermore, the UPSC has issued Khedkar a show-cause notice regarding the cancellation of her selection and her prohibition from future examinations.

As per reports, the commission intends to integrate cutting-edge Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition for candidates.

Additionally, the UPSC plans to implement technological measures such as closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and QR code scanning of e-admit cards to prevent fraud and impersonation during examinations.

UPSC, which conducts 14 examinations annually, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) and various recruitment tests for top government positions, has issued a tender inviting bids from public sector undertakings (PSUs) to provide technology services for its examinations.

According to the tender, interested bidders must be profit-making entities with an average annual turnover of at least Rs 100 crore from examination-based projects over the past three financial years. The tender documents specify that exam schedules, venue lists, and candidate numbers will be provided to the service provider two to three weeks prior to each examination.

Recently, the Supreme Court reprimanded the National Testing Agency (NTA) following identified shortcomings in the conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024.

This development coincides with the controversy surrounding trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly falsified documents to attempt the civil service exam 12 times, exceeding the allowable attempts.

Also Read: UPSC Chairman Resigns Amid Puja Khedkar Controversy

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