SSC implements Aadhaar authentication for its recruitment exams

New Delhi: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the introduction of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for all upcoming examinations, starting next month. This voluntary measure aims to verify candidates' identities in the recruitment process.

As one of the central government's largest recruitment agencies, the SSC primarily conducts selections for non-gazetted posts across various ministries and departments.

"The Commission has decided to implement Aadhar-Based Biometric Authentication in its forthcoming examinations.

"Accordingly, candidates will be able to authenticate themselves using Aadhaar at the time of online registration, while filling up the online application form for the examinations and while appearing at the test centre to take examinations conducted by the Commission from May 2025 onwards," a recent public notice issued by the recruitment body said.

The SSC clarified that Aadhaar-based authentication aims to simplify the examination process for candidates.

Officials highlighted that this authentication method would help prevent identity fraud and other deceptive practices in recruitment exams conducted by the Commission.

In a notification dated September 12 last year, the Union Personnel Ministry authorised the SSC to conduct Aadhaar-based authentication on a voluntary basis.

The SSC shall adhere to all relevant provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, "the rules and regulations made thereunder, and directions issued by the ‘Unique Identification Authority of India'," it added.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts seven nationwide open competitive examinations, including the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE), along with three limited departmental competitive examinations.

On August 28 last year, the Personnel Ministry issued a similar notification, marking a first for any recruitment agency, to permit Aadhaar-based authentication by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Every year, lakhs of candidates participate in recruitment tests conducted by the SSC and UPSC across the country. To enhance security and prevent cheating or impersonation, the UPSC also adopted facial recognition and artificial intelligence-based CCTV surveillance systems in its examinations last year.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts 14 significant exams annually, including the renowned Civil Services Examination, which selects officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS). Additionally, the UPSC administers various recruitment tests and interviews each year for induction into Group 'A' and Group 'B' posts within the central government.

(inputs from PTI)