UIDAI pilots face authentication for NEET UG 2025

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has successfully tested face authentication during the NEET UG 2025 entrance exam in Delhi. This pilot project, also called a Proof of Concept (PoC), was carried out in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The goal was to check how effective Aadhaar-based face authentication can be in verifying students’ identities during large-scale exams like NEET.

Instead of traditional ID checks or fingerprint scans, the face authentication system used the Aadhaar biometric database to verify candidates’ identities. The process was contactless, fast, and done in real-time at selected NEET exam centres in Delhi.

Pilots Face Authentication for NEET UG 2025: How it worked

In May 2025, UIDAI conducted a Proof of Concept (PoC) during the NEET UG exam in Delhi, in collaboration with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). Here's how it functioned:

•  Live Image Capture: Candidates' live facial images were captured at the exam centers.
• Real-Time Matching: These images were instantly matched against the Aadhaar database.
• Contactless Verification: The entire process was touch-free, enhancing hygiene and efficiency.
• Seamless Integration: The system integrated smoothly with NIC's digital infrastructure and NTA's examination protocols.

According to UIDAI, the results showed a very high level of accuracy and efficiency in identifying candidates. This means the system worked smoothly without causing delays or errors during the exam entry process.

The technology was also integrated with NIC’s digital infrastructure and NTA’s examination systems, showing how easily it can fit into existing processes. Officials believe that face authentication can help prevent cheating or impersonation in high-stakes exams, where identity fraud has been a concern in the past.

Beyond NEET, the technology has the potential to be used in other government services where secure identity verification is important.

This initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on using digital innovations like Aadhaar to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and enhance public service delivery.

With the success of this pilot, face authentication could soon become a standard tool in India’s examination ecosystem, making the process more reliable and less stressful for students.

As technology continues to reshape education and public services, secure and scalable solutions like Aadhaar-based face authentication are likely to play a key role in building trust and efficiency.