What Has the UPSC Decided Amidst the NEET Exam Leak Controversy?

In a groundbreaking move to ensure the integrity of its examinations, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the adoption of advanced technology solutions. This initiative aims to tackle cheating, impersonation, and other malpractices in its exams, including the prestigious civil services examination.

High-Tech Solutions for Fair Examination

Faced with controversies surrounding alleged irregularities in NEET and NET exams, the UPSC has decided to implement two cutting-edge technologies:

1. Aadhaar-Based Biometric Authentication and Facial Recognition: This system will verify candidates' identities using Aadhaar-linked fingerprint authentication and facial recognition.
2. AI-Based CCTV Surveillance: Real-time monitoring through AI-enhanced CCTV systems will help detect and prevent cheating and other unauthorized activities during exams.

The Scope and Scale

The UPSC, a Constitutional body responsible for recruiting officers for top administrative positions in India, conducts 14 major exams annually. These include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS) exams, among others. With an estimated 2.6 million candidates appearing across 80 centers nationwide, the UPSC's commitment to free, fair, and impartial examinations is paramount.

Ensuring Security and Fairness

The UPSC's tender, dated June 3, 2024, outlines the requirements for the new technology solutions. The move aims to strengthen the examination process and eliminate the possibility of malpractice by implementing:

• Aadhaar-Based Fingerprint Authentication: Candidates' biometric details will be matched and cross-checked.
• Facial Recognition: Images captured during online registration will be compared with those taken on exam day.
• QR Code Scanning: E-admit cards will be verified through QR code scanning.
• AI-Based CCTV Surveillance: Live video feeds from CCTV cameras will be monitored in real time to detect any suspicious activities.

Comprehensive Monitoring

The UPSC has specified that CCTV cameras should be installed extensively across examination venues. Each classroom will have at least one camera for every 24 candidates, ensuring no blind spots. Cameras will also be placed at entry/exit gates and control rooms where sensitive materials are handled.

The AI-based system is expected to generate alerts in various scenarios, such as:

• Detection of movement at entry/exit gates during exams.
• Improper arrangement of classroom furniture.
• Cameras going offline or being tampered with.
• Movement within classrooms one hour before or after exams.
• Inactivity of invigilators, indicating potential lapses in supervision.

Enhancing Exam Integrity Amidst Controversies

The decision to implement these technologies comes at a critical time, as the Central government is under scrutiny due to alleged irregularities in UGC-NET and NEET-UG exams. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating these allegations, emphasizing the need for robust measures to ensure exam integrity.

Bidding Process and Implementation

The UPSC has invited bids from experienced public sector undertakings to provide these technology solutions. The bidding process will close on July 7, 2024, at 1 PM, with the bids being opened at 1:30 PM on the same day.

By adopting these advanced technological measures, the UPSC aims to uphold its reputation for conducting fair and impartial examinations. This initiative is a significant step towards eliminating malpractice and ensuring that deserving candidates are selected for crucial administrative roles in the Indian government.

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