The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination will be conducted on May 24 across 22 examination centres in the district with heightened security arrangements and several new regulations. This year, authorities have introduced face authentication technology for the first time to strengthen transparency and prevent impersonation during one of the country’s most competitive examinations.

A total of 8,449 candidates are expected to appear for the examination. Officials have described the new measures as part of a larger effort to ensure fair conduct, maintain discipline, and eliminate possibilities of cheating or fraudulent entry. The implementation of facial authentication has become one of the most talked-about developments surrounding this year’s UPSC prelims examination.

Face Authentication Introduced For First Time

For the first time in UPSC preliminary examination history in the district, candidates will have to undergo face authentication before entering the examination centre. According to officials, every candidate will be required to stand before a scanner or camera installed at the entry point. The system will capture a live image of the candidate’s face and compare it with the photograph uploaded during the application process.

The entire verification process is expected to take around 8 to 10 seconds per candidate. Only after successful authentication will candidates be allowed to enter the examination hall. Authorities believe this technology will help prevent dummy candidates and impersonation attempts during the examination process. Candidates have been advised to keep their faces clearly visible during verification. Wearing caps, scarves, masks, or anything covering the face may create difficulty in authentication. Officials have also instructed candidates to look directly at the camera during the process for accurate verification.

Tight Security Arrangements At Examination Centres

The district administration has implemented strict security arrangements at all 22 centres to ensure smooth and fair conduct of the examination. Metal detector frisking will be conducted at every centre during entry. In addition, at least five police personnel will remain deployed at each examination venue throughout the day.

Authorities have also decided to install signal jammers at every centre one day before the examination. The purpose of these jammers is to block electronic communication and prevent any attempt at digital cheating or outside assistance. Police patrolling teams will continuously monitor examination centres and surrounding areas during both shifts of the examination. Officials stated that the administration is taking no chances regarding malpractice or disturbances during the highly competitive exam.

Strict Rules For Washroom Access

The administration has also issued special guidelines regarding washroom usage during the examination. According to the instructions, only one candidate at a time will be allowed to leave for the washroom from the examination hall. Authorities believe this rule will help maintain monitoring and reduce suspicious movement. Additionally, candidates will not be permitted to use the washroom during the final 30 minutes of the examination under any circumstances.

Centre superintendents have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these regulations.Officials said these measures are necessary to maintain discipline and avoid unfair practices during the examination process.

Centre Gates To Close Thirty Minutes Before Exam

Candidates have been clearly instructed to reach examination centres well before reporting time. The administration announced that the main gate for the morning shift will close at 9 am, while the gate for the afternoon shift will close at 2 pm.

No candidate will be allowed entry after gate closure. The first session of the examination will take place from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, while the second session will be conducted from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Officials have urged candidates not to wait until the last moment and to keep extra time in hand considering security checks and authentication procedures.

Only Limited Items Allowed Inside

Strict restrictions have also been imposed on items permitted inside examination halls.

Candidates will only be allowed to carry:

• Black ballpoint pen
• E-admit card
• Original photo identity proof
• Passport-size photograph
• Transparent water bottle

Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, digital watches, bags, purses, calculators, and all electronic gadgets have been completely prohibited.

Authorities warned that possession of banned items may lead to disqualification or disciplinary action. Candidates have been advised to carefully read instructions mentioned on their admit cards before arriving at the centres.

Noise Restrictions Around Centres

District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh has directed officials to ensure strict control over noise and public disturbances around examination venues. Authorities have prohibited unnecessary movement and sound pollution within a 500-metre radius of all centres during examination hours.

The administration stated that maintaining a peaceful environment is essential for candidates appearing in the prestigious civil services examination. Confidential examination materials will be distributed directly from the district treasury under tight supervision.

Technology To Improve Transparency

Officials believe that introducing face authentication technology marks an important step toward modernising examination security systems. The system is expected to make the entry process more transparent while reducing the possibility of fraudulent participation. Authorities also stated that technology-driven monitoring will improve candidate verification efficiency and help maintain the credibility of the UPSC examination process.