In light of reported irregularities in the NEET and NET exams, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided to adopt facial recognition and AI-based CCTV surveillance systems to curb cheating and impersonation in its examinations. The UPSC has recently issued a tender calling for bids from experienced public sector undertakings to create two technological solutions: "Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (or digital fingerprint capturing) and facial recognition of candidates and QR code scanning of e-admit cards," and "Live AI-based CCTV surveillance service" to be utilized during the examination process.’

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a Constitutional body, administers 14 major examinations, including the esteemed Civil Services Examination, which recruits officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). Besides, it conducts various recruitment tests and interviews annually for induction into Group 'A' and Group 'B' positions within the Central government.

Approximately 2.6 million candidates are anticipated to take part in these recruitment exams, which are held at up to 80 centers in cities like Leh, Kargil, Srinagar, Imphal, Agartala, Aizawl, and Gangtok. "The UPSC places significant emphasis on conducting its examinations in a free, fair, and impartial manner. To achieve these objectives, the Commission plans to employ the latest digital technology to verify and cross-check candidates' biometric details and monitor their activities during the examination to prevent cheating, fraud, unfair means, and impersonation," according to the tender document dated June 3, 2024.

The UPSC intends to implement Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (or digital fingerprint capturing), facial recognition of candidates, QR code scanning of e-admit cards, and live AI-based CCTV video surveillance. This initiative aims to enhance the examination process and eliminate the possibility of candidate malpractices. The chosen service provider will utilize data provided by the UPSC for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and facial recognition during the exams, as detailed in the scope of work outlined in the tender document.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has laid out comprehensive measures to enhance the integrity of its examination process by leveraging advanced digital technologies. According to a recent document, the UPSC plans to implement a real-time attendance monitoring system that operates through a secured web server. This system will enable real-time tracking of enrolment activities, complete with GPS coordinates and timestamps, ensuring that enrolment occurs within the designated shift times.

A critical feature of this system is the use of facial recognition technology, which will function through a stateless transaction of two images: one taken during the online registration process and the other captured on the examination day. This approach is designed to verify the identity of candidates accurately and prevent impersonation.

To further secure the examination process, the UPSC has decided to deploy comprehensive CCTV and video surveillance systems. These systems will include recording and live broadcasting capabilities to monitor the activities of candidates and personnel involved in conducting the examinations across various centers nationwide. The document specifies that the service provider must install an adequate number of CCTV cameras in every examination room, with at least one camera per 24 candidates. This ensures a coverage ratio of 1:24, preventing any blind spots within the examination halls.

The surveillance system is also required to cover entry and exit gates, as well as control rooms where sensitive examination materials are handled before and after the exams. Each examination venue must have cameras strategically placed to monitor all critical areas, ensuring a secure environment throughout the examination process.

The AI-based video surveillance system must be equipped to generate real-time alerts for various irregularities. These include detecting unauthorized movements at entry and exit gates during exams, improper arrangement of classroom furniture, offline or tampered cameras, and movements in classrooms one hour before or after the exam period. Additionally, the system should flag inactivity or absence of invigilators, as well as any incidents that may indicate cheating or the use of unfair means.

The UPSC emphasizes that the entire system should be capable of monitoring and flagging any activities that could compromise the examination's integrity. By employing these technologies, the Commission aims to ensure that its examinations are conducted in a free, fair, and impartial manner.

The document also notes that the bid submission deadline for service providers is set for July 7 at 1 pm, with the bids being opened on the same day at 1.30 pm. This timeline underscores the urgency with which the UPSC is moving to implement these advanced security measures.

In summary, the UPSC is taking significant steps to integrate advanced digital technologies, such as facial recognition and AI-based video surveillance, to safeguard its examination process against malpractices. These measures are intended to uphold the Commission's commitment to conducting fair and secure examinations, thereby maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process for some of India's most prestigious public service positions.

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