In a major leap toward tech-driven governance, Maharashtra Cyber Police will become the first government department in India to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for screening job candidates. The Mumbai-based cybercrime wing has partnered with a US-based AI firm (VeriKlick) and Nova Strategic Operations (NSO) to conduct initial interviews for hiring 150 cyber consultants.

Set to begin later this month, AI bots will conduct initial interviews using voice analysis, facial recognition, and adaptive questioning. Candidates will be scored digitally, with data stripped of names and gender to eliminate bias. The AI tool has been trained on over 70,000 hours of interview data, ensuring intelligent assessment and fraud prevention. However, shortlisted candidates will still face a traditional interview to ensure accuracy.

This initiative comes in the wake of over 2,400 applications received under the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project. Officials say this move could drastically cut interview time, from weeks to hours, while improving accuracy and transparency.

With AI transforming hiring processes globally, Maharashtra Cyber’s pilot could set a precedent for other government departments. Will this mark the future of recruitment in India? Only time and technology will tell.