From surveillance using AI to facial recognition: UPSC to revamp exam system after Puja Khedkar episode

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited tenders for the latest digital biometric technologies to enhance measures against impersonation, cheating, and fraud during its examinations.

The Commission is all set to revamp its own examination system through technological solutions such as Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition systems, and closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance using artificial intelligence (AI).

The decision comes after the premier recruitment body found that trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar allegedly faked her identity to appear in civil services exam. Last week, it issued a show cause notice to cancel her appointment.

The controversial IAS officer "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,” UPSC said in a statement.