Prelims 2014 · archive
EasyIn addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person?
- 1.Iris scanning
- 2.Retinal scanning
- 3.Voice recognition
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Biometrics means recognising a person from physical or behavioural traits. Iris patterns, retina patterns and voice prints are all recognised biometric traits, alongside fingerprints. So all three can be used, and the answer is 1, 2 and 3.
- ✓ 1. The iris is a standard biometric. NIST lists 'iris and retina patterns' among the biological characteristics used for biometrics. Today, Aadhaar authentication in India can be done by iris as well as by fingerprint.
- ✓ 2. The retina is a biometric trait; retinal scanning reads the pattern of blood vessels at the back of the eye. NIST lists 'iris and retina patterns' among the biological characteristics used for biometrics.
- ✓ 3. Voice is a behavioural biometric that also reflects physical features of the vocal tract. NIST lists 'voice prints' among biometric characteristics.
- ✓ (d) All three methods are valid, so '1, 2 and 3' is the answer. Option (a) leaves out retina and voice, option (b) leaves out iris, and option (c) leaves out retina.
Remember · Biometric traits include fingerprints, facial features, iris, retina, voice, palm print and vein pattern.
Sources
- NIST Computer Security Resource Center Glossary: Biometrics ↗ “Biological characteristics include but are not limited to fingerprints, palm prints, facial features, iris and retina patterns, voice prints, and vein patterns.”
- UIDAI: Authentication ↗ “Aadhaar authentication can be achieved with any of the ten fingers. In addition Aadhaar authentication can be done by IRIS and Face too.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2014, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·