Who is Allowed to Use Aadhaar-Based Authentication in Exams?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has declared that only the Staff Selection Commission and Railway Recruitment Board can use Aadhaar-based face authentication for exam identity verification. This move aims to combat impersonation and enhance transparency in examination processes.
Key Takeaways
- Only SSC and RRB allowed to use Aadhaar authentication.
- Face authentication helps prevent exam impersonation.
- Real-time verification enhances transparency.
- UIDAI issues Aadhaar based on biometric data.
- Stakeholders advised against accepting Aadhaar numbers without authentication.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Staff Selection Commission and Railway Recruitment Board are the only two government organisations granted permission by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to implement face authentication during exams to confirm the identities of candidates and officials, as revealed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada stated in a written response, "Real-time face authentication during examinations is instrumental in curbing impersonation and mitigating malpractices. It augments transparency, fosters trust among candidates, and reinforces administrative accountability."
Addressing inquiries regarding Aadhaar-based face authentication for national examinations, the Minister clarified, "The Ministry permits Ministries/Departments/Organisations to utilise Aadhaar authentication for various purposes under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, including examination services."
He elaborated that face authentication is a form of biometric verification that incorporates liveness detection features, utilising an individual’s facial characteristics for real-time identity confirmation.
"This method allows for authentication at any time and any place using an entry-level smartphone, eliminating the need for additional biometric devices," he added, in response to queries from Kiran Choudhry, Kesridevsinh Jhala, Medha Vishram Kulkarni, Maya Naroliya, and Baburam Nishad.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit identification number, to residents based on biometric and demographic information. It serves as a digital identity for accessing a variety of services through authentication conducted by the respective service providers.
In response to a separate query from Bhim Singh regarding the use of fake Aadhaar cards, the Minister stated, "Any reported cases of Aadhaar misuse are forwarded to law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation and appropriate action. Specific details of crimes involving fake Aadhaar cards are maintained by the respective state governments."
Expanding on measures taken to enhance the Aadhaar verification system, Prasada mentioned that offline verification can be performed by scanning the QR code located on the Aadhaar letter, eAadhaar, or Aadhaar PVC Card using the UIDAI's Aadhaar QR Scanner app or the mAadhaar app, available on both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
Online authentication can be conducted via biometric methods such as fingerprints, iris scans, facial recognition, as well as One Time Password (OTP) verification, he stated.
The Minister concluded by noting that advisories are issued to stakeholders urging them not to accept Aadhaar numbers in physical or electronic formats without prior authentication.
Point of View
The decision to restrict Aadhaar-based authentication to specific government bodies reflects a commitment to integrity in the examination process. While it introduces advanced technology to curb impersonation, it also emphasizes the importance of stringent controls to protect individuals' identities. This balance is crucial for maintaining public trust in government systems.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aadhaar-based face authentication?
Aadhaar-based face authentication is a biometric verification method that uses an individual's facial features to confirm their identity in real time, helping to prevent impersonation during exams.
Which agencies can use this authentication method?
Only the Staff Selection Commission and the Railway Recruitment Board are authorized to use Aadhaar-based face authentication for verifying identities during examinations.
What benefits does face authentication provide?
Face authentication enhances transparency, reduces malpractices, builds trust among candidates, and strengthens administrative accountability.
What should candidates do to protect their Aadhaar information?
Candidates are advised not to share their Aadhaar numbers in physical or electronic form without proper authentication to prevent misuse.
How can offline Aadhaar verification be conducted?
Offline verification can be done by scanning the QR code printed on the Aadhaar letter, eAadhaar, or Aadhaar PVC Card using the UIDAI's Aadhaar QR Scanner app.
