UPSC: The Union Public Service Commission has implemented a new Aadhaar-based authentication system to verify candidates’ identities and prevent irregularities in the examination process. The government has also granted permission to the UPSC for this new system, which aims to verify the identities of candidates.
Notification for the New System
After the approval of this new verification system for the UPSC exam, the Department of Personnel and Training issued a notification. The notification explains that the UPSC is authorized to conduct Aadhaar-based authentication voluntarily during the registration process on the One-Time Registration Portal and at various stages of the examination or recruitment process to verify the candidates’ identities.
It is also clarified that the Union Public Service Commission must comply with the provisions, rules, and regulations of the Aadhaar Act 2016, as well as all the directives issued by the UIDAI.
Two-Level Authentication
The Aadhaar-based authentication will be carried out in two stages. The first stage will occur when the candidate fills out the form to appear for the UPSC examination, and the second stage will be during the recruitment process. The purpose behind this Aadhaar verification is to ensure complete transparency in the examination process. Following UPSC’s move, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is also preparing to seek approval for Aadhaar verification.
Verification Will Be Optional
It is important to understand that Aadhaar-based verification will not be a mandatory step for appearing in the UPSC exam. Instead, it will be offered as an optional step during registration, where candidates can choose to verify their identity through Aadhaar. Only those who select the Aadhaar authentication option will have their identities verified using Aadhaar.
How Will This System Work?
When candidates register on the UPSC One-Time Registration Portal, the Aadhaar-based authentication process will be initiated. The UPSC portal will ask candidates for permission to access their Aadhaar data. Upon clicking “Yes,” the portal will verify their identity using the data from their Aadhaar.
Positive Takeaway
The UPSC exam is regarded as the biggest and most significant test in the nation. Candidates who pass the UPSC exam take on key positions in the country. In this context, ensuring transparency and the legitimacy of candidates is a significant concern. To maintain its credibility and integrity, the Union Public Service Commission has taken this new step to verify candidates’ identities.
