UPSC CSE Candidates to Undergo Face Authentication at Exam Centres as the Union Public Service Commission has introduced a new security measure to strengthen the integrity of its recruitment examinations. The Commission confirmed that all candidates appearing for UPSC-conducted exams will be required to complete facial authentication at the examination venue. The decision was officially communicated through a notice published on the UPSC website on January 11, 2026. The move aims to streamline candidate verification while preventing impersonation and unfair practices during examinations conducted by the Commission.
UPSC Introduces Mandatory Facial Authentication for Recruitment Exams
According to the official notice, “All candidates appearing in the UPSC examination will undergo facial authentication at the venue.” The Commission clarified that the new system will be applicable across recruitment examinations conducted by UPSC, including the highly competitive Civil Services Examination (CSE). UPSC conducts multiple national-level examinations every year to recruit officers for prestigious services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. The introduction of facial authentication is expected to enhance transparency and credibility across all examination centres.
Pilot Testing of AI-Based Face Authentication Completed in 2025
Before rolling out the system widely, UPSC successfully conducted pilot testing of the artificial intelligence-enabled facial authentication technology during select examinations in 2025. The pilot was implemented during the NDA and NA II Examination and the CDS II Examination, both held on September 14, 2025. The pilot testing took place at selected examination centres in Gurugram, where candidates’ facial images captured at the venue were digitally matched with photographs uploaded during the registration process. This ensured accurate identity verification without manual intervention.
Reduced Verification Time and Enhanced Security at Exam Centres
Prior to explaining the benefits, it is important to note that traditional manual verification methods often led to delays at examination centres. The new facial authentication system has addressed this challenge effectively.
- The average verification time was reduced to 8–10 seconds per candidate
- Entry queues were streamlined, improving centre management
- An additional layer of security was added to prevent impersonation
According to UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar, the technology not only improved efficiency but also strengthened exam security without causing inconvenience to candidates.
What Candidates Should Know About UPSC Face Authentication?
Candidates appearing in upcoming UPSC examinations are expected to cooperate with examination staff during the facial authentication process. The system will verify facial data on-site using details submitted in the application form, making it essential for candidates to ensure accuracy in their registration photographs. The Commission has not indicated any change in exam schedules or reporting time due to this new measure. However, candidates are advised to reach centres well in advance to allow smooth completion of all verification procedures.
UPSC Strengthens Examination Integrity with Technology
The introduction of facial authentication reflects UPSC’s continued efforts to modernise examination processes and maintain fairness across its recruitment system. By leveraging technology, the Commission aims to ensure that only genuine candidates appear for examinations, reinforcing trust in one of India’s most competitive selection processes. This step is expected to be implemented consistently across future UPSC examinations, including forthcoming Civil Services cycles.
