The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will now use Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates’ identities. This change allows the UPSC to implement Aadhaar verification voluntarily during registration and throughout various stages of examinations and recruitment.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions announced the update. The Ministry stated, “In accordance with the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and related rules, the UPSC is authorized to use Aadhaar authentication for identity verification. This process will occur at registration through the ‘One Time Registration’ portal and during different stages of examination and recruitment. The UPSC can use Yes/No or e-KYC authentication methods.”
The Ministry emphasized that the UPSC must follow all relevant provisions of the Act, the associated rules, and any directives from the Unique Identification Authority of India.
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This decision comes after the UPSC took action against Puja Khedkar, a provisional candidate from the Civil Services Examination-2022. In July, the UPSC cancelled Khedkar’s provisional candidature and permanently barred her from future exams and selections. Khedkar, who ranked 821 in the UPSC exams, faces allegations of misuse of authority. She is accused of demanding special privileges during her posting in Pune, including a separate cabin and staff, and using a private Audi car with unauthorized beacon lights and VIP number plates.
Additionally, Khedkar allegedly occupied an ante-chamber without permission, removed office furniture without consent, and requested unauthorized facilities.
In August, the Delhi High Court issued notices to both the Delhi Police and the UPSC. This action followed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea. Khedkar challenges a district court’s decision that denied her bail. The FIR against her includes allegations of falsifying her identity to gain extra attempts in the civil services exam.
The UPSC conducts Civil Services Examinations, including Preliminary, Main, and Interview/Personality Tests, for recruitment into various prestigious services and posts, such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, and Indian Police Service.