UPSC to Use Face Authentication at Exam Centres: What Candidates Need to Know

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced mandatory face authentication for all candidates at examination centres as part of a broader effort to strengthen exam security and prevent impersonation. This technology will be used for verifying the identity of candidates before they are allowed to enter the exam venue.

The decision was confirmed by UPSC officials following a successful pilot programme in 2025, during which an AI-enabled facial authentication system was tested at select centres for the NDA, NA II and CDS II examinations. The system matched candidates' facial images at the venue with the photos submitted during registration, significantly improving the verification process.

What Is Face Authentication and Why Is UPSC Introducing It?

Face authentication uses artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital facial recognition technology to verify a candidate's identity in real time at the exam centre. The aim of this step is to:

• Prevent impersonation and entry of unauthorised candidates
• Ensure the integrity of the examination process
• Speed up identity verification at venue entry

During the pilot tests, the technology reduced verification time to an average of 8-10 seconds per candidate, making the entry process faster and more efficient.

According to UPSC's official note, all candidates appearing in recruitment examinations including the Civil Services Examination (CSE) that selects IAS, IPS, IFS officers and others will now undergo this face authentication step at the venue.

How It Will Work at Exam Centres

On the day of the exam, candidates will be required to:

• Report to the exam centre well in advance.
• Undergo face authentication at the entry gate, where their live face scan will be matched with the photo submitted during registration.
• Only after successful verification will they be allowed to enter the examination hall.

This additional step is designed to sit alongside existing identity checks such as admit card and photo ID verification.

Impact on Aspirants

For most candidates, the face authentication process is expected to be quick and smooth, as early tests have shown. The shift reflects a wider trend in competitive exams where biometric and AI-based security measures are being introduced to enhance fairness and accuracy in candidate verification.

Aspirants are advised to ensure their application photographs are clear and recent, as this will be used for matching at the venue. Regular updates on this and other exam protocols will be made available on the UPSC official website.