Context:

Recently, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken steps to revamp its examination system with new tech.

More on the News:

• This move follows scandals in other competitive exams like UGC NET and NEET Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the Puja Khedkar row involving alleged document forgery in multiple Civil Services Examination (CSE) attempts.
• UPSC has issued a tender inviting Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to develop technological solutions for preventing impersonation and cheating.

About UPSC: 

• UPSC is an independent constitutional body under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
• The Chairman and other members of the UPSC are appointed by the President of India.
• Any member of the UPSC shall hold office for a term of six years or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• It serves as India's central recruitment agency.
• UPSC conducts 14 examinations annually for recruitment to Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts in the Government of India.
• Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution of India provide for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the Union and a Public Service Commission for each State. Each state has its own Public Service Commission with functions similar to the Union Public Service Commission.

Technology Implementation:

Biometric Verification:

• Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, facial recognition systems, and real-time GPS-tracked attendance monitoring will be employed to enhance security and prevent impersonation during examinations. 

CCTV Surveillance:

• AI-powered CCTV cameras will be installed in all exam center’s classrooms, with at least one camera for every 24 candidates and additional cameras at entry/exit gates and in control rooms.
• UPSC officials will have remote live access to these feeds for real-time monitoring.

QR Code System:

• Admit cards will incorporate QR codes to swiftly fetch candidate details.  A manual entry backup is available for cases where QR code scanning is unsuccessful.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Infrastructure Development: Implementing biometric authentication across UPSC examination centers nationwide requires robust infrastructure, including biometric scanners and secure databases. 
• Data Privacy and Security: A critical concern is ensuring the security and privacy of candidates' sensitive biometric data. The UPSC must establish stringent protocols to prevent data breaches and misuse, ensuring candidate privacy.
• Potential for Technical Glitches: The successful execution of the new system hinges on its reliability. Contingency plans must be in place to address potential technical issues that could not disrupt the examination process.