Amid controversies over alleged irregularities in NEET and NET exams, the UPSC has decided to use facial recognition and AI-based CCTV surveillance to prevent cheating and impersonation in its tests. The UPSC has invited bids for two tech solutions: “Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition of candidates with QR code scanning of e-admit cards” and “Live AI-based CCTV surveillance.”

The UPSC conducts 14 major exams annually, including the civil services exam for IAS, IFS, and IPS, involving around 26 lakh candidates across 80 centers in cities like Leh, Srinagar, and Imphal. The new measures aim to ensure free, fair, and impartial examinations by matching biometric details and monitoring candidates’ activities to prevent malpractices.

The tender document outlines that the selected service provider will use data for real-time Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition. A secure, real-time attendance system with GPS tracking is required. Facial recognition will compare images from online registration with those taken on exam day.

The UPSC plans to implement comprehensive CCTV surveillance with live broadcast and recording. Every classroom will have at least one CCTV camera per 24 candidates, with additional cameras as needed to avoid blind spots. The AI system will generate alerts for unusual activities, such as unauthorized movements or tampering with cameras.

The bid deadline is July 7, with bids opened the same day. This move comes as the Central government faces scrutiny over alleged malpractices in UGC-NET and NEET-UG exams, currently under investigation by the CBI.

Source: PTI

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