After UPSC exam fraud storm, 92% applicants opt for Aadhaar ID verification on new portal

In a strong response to growing concerns over identity fraud and impersonation in elite government recruitment exams, over 92% of applicants on the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) new registration platform have voluntarily opted for Aadhaar-based identity verification.

The high opt-in rate comes days after the UPSC rolled out its upgraded online portal —upsconline.nic.in — on May 28, integrating biometric-backed Aadhaar authentication for the first time across all stages of its examination process.

According to official data accessed by a national daily, of the 2.65 lakh accounts created on the revamped platform so far, 1.13 lakh candidates completed the universal registration process. Of these, 1.05 lakh voluntarily chose Aadhaar for identity authentication. About 60,000 candidates have already submitted their Common Application Form, while another 55,000 are in progress.

The overhaul of the registration process follows the controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer whose candidature was canceled over allegations of falsified credentials and exceeding the number of permissible exam attempts. Her case, which triggered public outcry and institutional introspection, eventually led to her dismissal by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Khedkar has since denied the allegations and legally contested her dismissal.

Aadhaar push after Khedkar episode

Following the incident, the DoPT issued a notification in August 2024 authorizing the UPSC to begin Aadhaar authentication — on a voluntary basis —for identity verification during recruitment. The mechanism enables both Yes/No verification and e-KYC-based validation of candidate details.

“This is part of our commitment to transparency, accuracy and candidate convenience,” UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar was quoted as saying by Indian Express. “The portal reduces duplication—candidates no longer need to re-enter details for every exam. Aadhaar ensures seamless identity verification.”

The four-stage registration includes account creation, universal registration, a common application form, and finally, application for specific exams. The system now covers 14 major exams conducted by the UPSC, including the Civil Services, Combined Defense Services, and National Defense Academy examinations.

While Aadhaar authentication remains optional, UPSC has strongly recommended its use to avoid potential delays. In its May 28 statement, the Commission urged candidates to opt for Aadhaar for a “seamless verification process” that ensures their details serve as a “permanent and common record” for future applications.