Context:
- The National Testing Agency (NTA) is considering the introduction of facial recognition technology (FRT) for candidates appearing in national-level entrance examinations, including JEE (Main).
- The move aims to strengthen examination security and curb impersonation and unfair practices.
- This follows a pilot implementation of Aadhaar-based facial authentication during NEET-UG 2024.
Key Highlights:
Technology & Implementation
- Facial Recognition to be used for candidate identity verification at examination centres.
- Likely integration with Aadhaar-based authentication systems.
- Aadhaar details such as name, date of birth, photograph, and address to be obtained via UIDAI.
- Verification process intended to operate in real time at exam centres.
Pilot & Policy Background
- NEET-UG facial authentication pilot conducted in selected centres in Delhi.
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) noted the pilot showed significant potential in preventing impersonation.
- A committee chaired by former ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan recommended biometric authentication to protect exam integrity.
Administrative Measures
- NTA directed JEE (Main) 2026 aspirants to ensure Aadhaar details are accurate and updated.
- Emphasis on correct biographical and biometric data to avoid discrepancies during authentication.
Stakeholders Involved
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Ministry of Education
- UIDAI
- MeitY
- Exam candidates across India
Significance / Concerns
- Enhances credibility and transparency of entrance examinations.
- Raises concerns regarding data privacy, consent, and data security.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Impersonation and exam malpractices in competitive exams
- Causes:
- Large candidate volume
- High-stakes examinations
- Government Initiatives:
- Aadhaar-based authentication
- Use of biometric technologies
- Benefits:
- Accurate identity verification
- Reduced cheating and impersonation
- Challenges:
- Privacy concerns
- Digital exclusion
- Technical failures
- Impact:
- Increased trust in examination systems
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- UIDAI established under Aadhaar Act, 2016
- Supreme Court allows Aadhaar use for welfare and identity verification with safeguards
- Conceptual Clarity:
- Biometrics in governance
- Balancing efficiency vs privacy
- Keywords:
- Facial Recognition Technology
- Aadhaar authentication
- Data protection
- Exam integrity
- Way Forward:
- Ensure compliance with data protection principles
- Explicit consent mechanisms
- Robust grievance redressal
- Backup verification systems to avoid exclusion
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper II: Governance, role of technology in public institutions
- GS Paper III: Science & Technology, cybersecurity
- GS Paper IV: Ethics – privacy, consent, fairness