Aadhaar-based face authentication was successfully tested by UIDAI during the NEET UG 2025 in New Delhi. In collaboration with the National Informatics Center (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), the authority conducted the Proof of Concept (PoC). Through the use of cutting-edge biometric technologies, the program seeks to improve exam security and candidate verification procedures.
"The purpose of the PoC was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using Aadhaar-based face recognition to confirm the identity of applicants taking one of the biggest entrance exams in India," said the center.
Aadhaar face recognition technology was implemented during the trial at a few NEET UG 2025 exam locations in Delhi. It was "seamlessly" linked into both NTA's exam procedures and NIC's digital infrastructure. NEET 2025 was held on May 4 in offline mode for 22.7 lakh candidates for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses.
Using Aadhaar's biometric database, the face authentication was carried out in real-time, "making the process contactless and more streamlined." The Ministry of Electronics and IT asserted that the PoC findings demonstrated a very high level of accuracy and efficiency in applicant verification.
NEET UG 2025: Aadhaar-based Authentication
The potential of Aadhaar face authentication as a safe, scalable, and user-friendly method of identity verification in extensive exams was also demonstrated by this effort. Additionally, it showed the potential of its future applications and how it might help considerably reduce efforts at impersonation during entrance examinations, the centre added.
Notably, NTA requested that applicants use their Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID and Aadhaar-based authentication when completing the NEET UG 2025 application form. The agency mentioned, among other reasons, the need for rapid and precise identity verification via facial recognition. However, following panic amongst candidates, the testing agency had clarified that it is not mandatory.
