UPSC to use face authentication at exam centres: What changes at the entry gate for candidates

UPSC to use face authentication at exam centres

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to introduce mandatory face authentication for all candidates appearing in its recruitment examinations, marking a significant shift in how identity verification will be carried out at exam centres. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen the integrity of the examination process and prevent impersonation, PTI reported on Saturday.A note uploaded on the Commission’s website states that all candidates appearing in UPSC examinations will undergo face authentication at the venue. The system will apply across the board, including the Civil Services Examination, one of the country’s most competitive tests, which recruits officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among other services.

Why UPSC is introducing face authentication

UPSC conducts multiple high-stakes recruitment examinations each year, drawing lakhs of candidates from across the country. Ensuring that the right candidate appears for the right examination has always been central to the credibility of the process.According to officials, facial authentication adds a technology-backed layer to existing verification methods and reduces dependence on manual checks. The Commission believes this will help curb impersonation and strengthen trust in the recruitment system, PTI reported.

How the facial authentication system works

The facial authentication process is AI-enabled and compares a live facial image captured at the exam centre with the photograph uploaded by the candidate during the application process. The system uses automated algorithms to match facial features and confirm identity within seconds.During verification, candidates will be required to briefly face a camera installed at the entry point. If the live image matches the registration photograph, the candidate is cleared to enter the examination hall.Officials said the process is designed to function smoothly under regular exam-day conditions and does not require prolonged interaction or manual intervention.

Pilot testing during NDA and CDS exams

Before rolling out the system nationwide, UPSC conducted a pilot programme during the NDA and Naval Academy II Examination, 2025, and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination, 2025, held on September 14, 2025.The pilot was implemented at select centres in Gurugram, where candidates’ facial images were digitally matched with their application photographs. UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar said the results were encouraging, with verification time reduced to 8–10 seconds per candidate, according to PTI.Officials said the pilot demonstrated that facial authentication could both speed up entry procedures and improve security, prompting the Commission to expand it to all recruitment examinations.

What candidates should expect on exam day

With facial authentication now mandatory, candidates should be prepared for biometric verification at entry points in addition to existing document checks. While the Commission has not indicated any major procedural changes for candidates, officials said examinees should ensure that their appearance reasonably matches the photograph submitted during registration.The Commission has also instructed exam centres to put necessary infrastructure in place, including cameras and connectivity, to ensure that verification does not cause delays.

Why this matters in the larger exam ecosystem

The UPSC’s move comes amid a broader push to use technology-driven solutions to improve transparency and credibility in competitive examinations. Other national-level tests have experimented with biometric attendance, digital proctoring, and AI-based monitoring in recent years.Experts point out that facial recognition technology presents an effective trade, off between speed and security, particularly in the case of mass examinations that are tightly scheduled. Since UPSC has taken the initiative to implement the system for all of its recruitment exams, it may end up being a reference point for other examination boards down the road.What this means for candidates is that confirming one’s identity at UPSC examination centres will be quicker, more automated, and more directly matched with the data given at the time of application.