Uttar Pradesh Introduces AI-Based Attendance System in Examinations

Uttar Pradesh has introduced AI-based and digitised systems for examination management in 2026. The measures include barcode-based attendance, real-time monitoring, biometric verification, digital evaluation, and AI-enabled CCTV surveillance at examination centres.

AI-Based Examination Management in Uttar Pradesh

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, also known as AKTU, announced an AI-based system for seating plans and attendance marking for examinations on 30 May 2026. The pilot project is being implemented for MTech examinations at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Lucknow. The system covers 756 affiliated colleges in Uttar Pradesh. The AKTU model uses barcode admit cards, barcode scanning by invigilators, student photographs, scanning of the first page of answer booklets, and digital signatures on invigilators’ tablets. The process is monitored in real time from a central control room.

AI Surveillance in Recruitment Examinations

The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission, or UPESSC, conducted lecturer cadre written examinations on 9 and 10 May 2026. The examinations used AI-based surveillance and real-time monitoring across the state. A total of 1,92,934 candidates appeared for the examinations, and the overall attendance was 41.53 per cent. UPESSC used an AI-integrated Control Command Room in Lucknow for monitoring all examination centres. In April 2026, UPESSC Chairman Prashant Kumar announced a zero tolerance policy against examination malpractices. The commission also established an integrated control room at its headquarters for recruitment tests.

Digitised Systems in State Universities and Board Examinations

As of 1 May 2026, Uttar Pradesh has been implementing a digitised examination system in state universities, excluding agricultural and medical institutions. The Governor’s Secretariat approved the AKTU model for this system. The model includes mandatory biometric attendance for students and staff. The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, or UP Board, approved AI-enabled CCTV cameras outside strongrooms at more than 8,000 examination centres for the 2026 High School and Intermediate examinations. The project was estimated to cost over ₹20 crore on 23 October 2025. The board also planned a fully digital evaluation system for 2026, under which evaluators upload marks through a secure digital portal.

Important Facts for Exams

• Artificial Intelligence is used in examination systems for attendance, surveillance, and data verification.
• Biometric attendance uses physical identifiers such as fingerprints or facial recognition for identity confirmation.
• Barcode admit cards allow machine-readable identification of candidates during examination processes.
• Control Command Rooms are used in large-scale examinations for centralised monitoring of centres.

Examination Technology in India

Digital evaluation systems use online portals for mark entry and result processing. AI-enabled CCTV systems are used in examination security to monitor strongrooms and examination centres.