In a major change to the recruitment examination process, the Union Public service Commission (UPSC) has announced that all candidates appearing for its exams will now have to undergo data-face authentication at the examination centre before entry. This new rule is part of broader efforts to strengthen exam security, prevent impersonation, and ensure the integrity of competitive tests such as the Civil services Examination, nda, CDS, and more.

🔍 What Is the New Face Recognition Rule?

According to the UPSC notification, every candidate will be required to go through facial authentication at the exam centre venue. This means that on the day of the exam, candidates’ data-faces will be scanned and matched with their previously submitted registration photograph before they are allowed to enter the examination hall.

This system is AI‑enabled facial authentication technology that uses artificial intelligence to compare a candidate’s real‑time image with the photo in the application database. If the match is successful, the candidate is allowed inside; otherwise, entry could be denied to prevent fraud.

🧪 Why Is UPSC Introducing Face Authentication?

UPSC says the move aims to:
📌 Enhance examination integrity by preventing impersonation and proxy candidates, a persistent concern in high‑stakes tests.
📌 Streamline the candidate verification process, making entry faster and more reliable than traditional manual ID checks.
📌 Build on successful pilot trials — earlier this system was trialled in the NDA and CDS exams held in september 2025, where facial authentication helped verify candidates quickly and with high accuracy.

According to UPSC Chairman ajay Kumar, the pilot reduced verification time to an average of about 8 to 10 seconds per candidate, making entry smoother while improving security.

📌 How It Will Work on Exam Day

Here’s what candidates should expect:

• Face scanning at the entry gate: Before entering the exam hall, candidates will stand before a camera or facial recognition device.
• Match with registration photo: The technology will compare the live image with the photo uploaded during the application process.
• Verification before frisking: Only after successful data-face authentication will the candidate proceed to security checks and then the exam hall.
• Faster processing: The AI system is designed to complete data-face verification in seconds — reducing queue time and entry delays.

Candidates are being advised to reach the centre well ahead of time so that data-face authentication and other checks can be completed without last‑minute rush.

👩‍🎓 Which Exams Are Affected?

This rule applies to all recruitment examinations conducted by UPSC, including:

• Civil services Examination (CSE) — for IAS, IPS, IFS and other central services.
• National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) exams.
• Combined Defence services (CDS) exams.
• Other UPSC recruitment tests as applicable.

📈 What This Means for Aspirants

Positive Impacts:
✔ Reduced risk of impersonation and fraud.
✔ Faster, automated verification process at centres.
✔ More reliable identity checks compared with traditional manual methods.

Candidates Should Prepare For:
📍 Ensure the photo uploaded in your application matches your real appearance on exam day.
📍 Reach the exam centre early to complete data-face authentication and other checks.
📍 Understand that this process is now a mandatory part of entry, not optional.

📌 Bottom Line

From 2026 onwards, UPSC is making AI‑based data-face recognition compulsory at exam centres in an effort to modernise exam security and protect the credibility of its competitive recruitment process. Candidates appearing for the Civil services and all other UPSC exams should be ready for this new verification step, arrive well before the scheduled time, and ensure that their application photo accurately reflects their current appearance.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.