Did UIDAI Successfully Pilot Face Authentication for NEET Exam?

Synopsis
Explore how the UIDAI's face authentication pilot during NEET-UG 2025 sets a new standard for exam security. This innovative approach aims to enhance candidate verification using biometric technology, promising to reduce impersonation attempts and streamline the examination process.
Key Takeaways
- UIDAI conducted a successful pilot of face authentication technology.
- The initiative was aimed at enhancing exam security and candidate verification.
- Over 22.7 lakh candidates participated in NEET-UG 2025.
- Real-time Aadhaar face authentication was utilized for verification.
- The pilot showcased a high level of accuracy in verifying candidates.
New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has successfully executed a pilot initiative utilizing face authentication technology during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT on Monday.
This initiative, in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), represents a crucial advancement in enhancing exam security and improving candidate verification processes through cutting-edge biometric technology.
The Proof of Concept (PoC) aimed to assess the viability and effectiveness of Aadhaar-based face authentication for confirming the identities of candidates taking part in one of India's largest entrance exams.
During the PoC, the Aadhaar face authentication system was implemented at selected NEET centers across Delhi. It was seamlessly integrated with the NIC's digital framework and NTA's examination procedures.
The face authentication was executed in real-time, utilizing the Aadhaar biometric database, ensuring a contactless and streamlined process.
According to the Ministry, “The PoC results demonstrated a remarkably high level of accuracy and efficiency in verifying candidates. This initiative also highlighted Aadhaar face authentication as a secure, scalable, and student-friendly identity verification solution for large-scale examinations.”
The Ministry also noted the future implications and potential of this technology in significantly reducing impersonation attempts during entrance exams.
In the meantime, over 22.7 lakh candidates in the country are estimated to have participated in the NEET-UG 2025, which was conducted on May 4.
The medical entrance examination took place at 5,453 centers across more than 500 cities nationwide.
In response to prior controversies regarding the exam, including allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in 2024, the NTA significantly enhanced its security and monitoring protocols.
To ensure transparency and mitigate malpractice, the NTA also published comprehensive guidelines alongside the admit cards and exam city slips.