UPSC to introduce changes in exam system to prevent fraud and cheating in examinations

NEW DELHI: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to introduce major changes in its exam system in the wake of recent cases of cheating and fraud in the competitive exams conducted in the country.

According to reports, the Commission is planning to modernize the procedures by incorporating measures such as Aadhaar-based fingerprint verification and facial recognition of candidates. It is also planning to introduce CCTV surveillance using AI and QR code scanning of e-admit cards to prevent fraud and impersonation during the exams.

UPSC conducts 14 exams in a year, including the Civil Service Examinations and several recruitment tests and interviews for appointments to top central government posts.

UPSC has invited bids from PSUs to provide technology services during the examinations conducted by it. The tender stated that the bidder should be a profit-making entity having an average annual turnover of at least Rs 100 crore from examination-based projects during the last three financial years. The tender documents stated that the examination schedule, list of examination venues and number of candidates will be handed over to the technical service providers two to three weeks before the examination.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) had received sharp criticism from the Supreme Court in connection with the 2024 NEET exam controversy. According to sources, the case registered against IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who is accused of forging documents to appear for the civil service exam, also prompted the UPSC to bring changes to its exam system