New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, the Centre has allowed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to utilise Aadhaar-based authentication to verify candidates’ identities voluntarily, both at the time of registration and during several stages of examinations and recruitment.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievanves and Pensions said, “In pursuance of sub-clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, (as amended) read with rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, having been authorised by the Central government, hereby notifies that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on voluntary basis, for verification of identity of candidates at the time of registration on ‘One Time Registration’ portal and various stages of examination/recruitment test, using Yes/No or/and e-KYC authentication facility.”

“Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) shall adhere to all provisions of the Act, the rules and regulations made there under, and directions issued by the ‘Unique Identification Authority of India’,” the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievanves and Pensions said.