Govt to use biometrics, AI CCTVs & GPS tracking to tighten exam security

Bhubaneswar: The higher education department has planned a major overhaul of examination security by introducing a technology-driven monitoring system across all examinations conducted under its ambit, aiming at eliminating impersonation, preventing malpractices and ensuring greater transparency in recruitment and examination processes.

According to the department’s plan, candidates appearing for examinations will undergo multi-layer biometric verification, including Aadhaar-based authentication, fingerprint, palm, iris and facial recognition. Standardisation testing and quality certification (STQC)-approved hand held biometric devices with real-time authentication and end-to-end encrypted data handling will be deployed at examination centres.

Under the new system, admit cards will carry QR codes or barcodes containing candidates’ roll numbers and other details. The codes will be scanned at examination centres to automatically retrieve candidate information from the department’s database. Biometric authentication will then be conducted at security gates before candidates are allowed to enter examination halls.

The department has also proposed a real-time attendance monitoring system through a secured web server and plans to deploy de-duplication algorithms to prevent duplicate enrolment records. Data and application servers will be maintained at separate locations within the country to ensure disaster recovery and uninterrupted operations.

To further strengthen monitoring and curb examination-related irregularities, HED plans to introduce AI-enabled CCTV surveillance at examination centres across the state. Live CCTV feeds from the centres will be monitored from a central control room at the department’s headquarters.

Additionally, the department has proposed a tamper-evident logistics solution for the transportation of confidential examination materials, including question papers and OMR answer sheets.

A senior official of the department said the system will use GPS-enabled containers equipped with mechanical locks, alarm systems and real-time tracking capabilities. Access to live and historical tracking data will be restricted to authorised personnel through a role-based access mechanism defined by the department.

Officials will receive alerts in cases of unauthorised opening, delayed closure, route deviation or other irregularities during transportation. A central dashboard will track key performance indicators such as tamper alerts, geo-fence violations, lock integrity status, delivery timelines and system uptime.

The dashboard will provide a real-time overview of examination security status, active alerts, critical incidents and the movement of consignments across the state. The official said the integrated system is aimed at creating a secure, transparent and technology-enabled examination ecosystem while enhancing public confidence in recruitment and examination processes conducted by the higher education department.