Aadhaar-based face recognition trial at NEET UG 2025 'successful': UIDAI

NEW DELHI: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) 'successfully' conducted a trial run of using Aadhaar-based face authentication during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2025 in New Delhi. The authority carried out the Proof of Concept (PoC) in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The initiative is aimed towards enhancing exam security and candidate verification processes using advanced biometric technology.

“The PoC was aimed at evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of Aadhaar-based face authentication as a means of verifying the identity of candidates appearing for one of India’s largest entrance examinations,” said Centre.

During the trial, Aadhaar face recognition technology was deployed at select NEET UG 2025 exam centres in Delhi, and was integrated “seamlessly” with NIC’s digital infrastructure, and NTA’s exam protocols.

The face authentication was performed in real-time, using Aadhaar’s biometric database, “making the process contactless and more streamlined”. The results of the PoC showed a very high level of accuracy and efficiency in candidate verification, the Ministry of Electronics and IT claimed.

NEET 2025: Aadhaar-based authentication

“This initiative also showcased the potential of Aadhaar face authentication as a secure, scalable, and student-friendly solution for identity verification in large-scale examinations. It also indicated the potential of its future use cases, and how it can play a role in significantly curbing attempts of impersonation during entrance exams,” the centre added.

Notably during NEET UG registration 2025, NTA had asked candidates to use Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID and Aadhaar-based authentication while filling the NEET UG 2025 application form, citing quick and accurate identity verification through facial recognition among other reasons. However, following panic amongst candidates, the testing agency had clarified that it is not mandatory.

NEET 2025 was held on May 4 in offline mode for 22.7 lakh candidates for admissions to MBBS, BDS, other medical courses.