UPSC Introduces Facial Recognition for Exam Candidates: What You Need to Know

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that all candidates participating in its recruitment examinations will now undergo facial recognition checks at exam venues. This new measure aims to bolster the integrity of the examination process. The UPSC has successfully tested this technology during recent exams, significantly reducing verification time and enhancing security. This initiative is part of the UPSC's ongoing efforts to streamline candidate verification and ensure a fair examination environment. Read on to learn more about the implications of this new system for future UPSC exams.

By Ambika Singh Jan 10, 2026, 19:34 IST

New Security Measures for UPSC Exams

New Delhi: Candidates taking part in recruitment tests organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will now be required to undergo facial recognition checks at examination centers, as announced by officials on Saturday.

This initiative aims to enhance the integrity of the examination process.

According to a statement on the Commission's website, "All candidates appearing in the UPSC examination will undergo face authentication at the venue."

The UPSC is responsible for conducting various recruitment exams for government positions, including the civil services examination, which selects candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.

Recently, the UPSC successfully implemented a pilot program utilizing artificial intelligence for facial recognition to expedite and secure candidate verification during the NDA (National Defence Academy) and NA (Naval Academy) II Examination, as well as the CDS (Combined Defence Services) II Examination, both held on September 14, 2025.

This pilot was executed at select centers in Gurugram, where candidates' facial images were digitally compared to the photographs submitted during registration.

The new verification system has reduced the average processing time to just 8 to 10 seconds per candidate, significantly improving the entry process while adding an additional layer of security, according to UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar.