The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), has successfully completed a pilot project exploring the use of Aadhaar-based face authentication for candidate verification during the NEET UG 2025 examination.
The proof-of-concept (PoC) exercise was carried out at select examination centres in the national capital during this year’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — one of India’s largest entrance exams. The initiative marks a step forward in the adoption of contactless biometric technologies to enhance transparency and prevent impersonation in high-stakes public examinations.
According to officials, the face authentication was conducted in real-time using Aadhaar’s biometric database, with seamless integration into NIC’s digital infrastructure and NTA’s examination protocols. The system enabled instant verification of candidate identity without physical contact, making the process both secure and efficient.
The UIDAI said the pilot demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and operational ease, reinforcing the potential of face authentication as a scalable and student-friendly solution for identity verification in large-scale examinations.
In addition to streamlining the entry process, the initiative is expected to bolster exam integrity by reducing the risk of impersonation and other fraudulent practices. The technology may also find future applications in other public service delivery systems requiring remote or contactless verification.
