Polygraph Test

The polygraph test operates on the premise that physiological responses triggered when a person is lying differ from their responses when they are being truthful.

Polygraph Test
Table of Contents

About Polygraph test:

  • The polygraph test operates on the premise that physiological responses triggered when a person is lying differ from their responses when they are being truthful.
  • During the test, instruments such as cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes are attached to the suspect to measure variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, sweat gland activity, and blood flow as questions are posed.
  • Evaluation: Each response is given a numerical value to determine whether the individual is telling the truth, being deceptive, or uncertain.

Supreme Court Judgements:

  • According to the Supreme Court of India’s judgment in Selvi & Ors vs State of Karnataka & Anr (2010):
    • Polygraph tests can only be administered with the accused’s consent.
    • Consent must be informed, with the accused having access to legal counsel and a thorough explanation of the test’s physical, emotional, and legal implications.
    • The National Human Rights Commission’s Guidelines for polygraph tests, issued in 2000, must be strictly adhered to.
    • The accused’s consent should be documented before a judicial magistrate.
    • Any evidence or information obtained through a voluntarily consented polygraph test can be admitted in court.

Q1. What is a Narco Test?

In a ‘narco’ or narco analysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused, which transports them to a hypnotic or sedated state in which their imagination is neutralised.

Source: Kolkata doctor rape-murder: What Sanjay Roy told CBI during polygraph test | Latest News India – Hindustan Times

Update Icon
Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Date IconLast updated on August, 2026

UPSC Mains 2026 commenced on 21st August 2026 and will continue through 30th August 2026, as per the official examination schedule.

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2026 is out now for Essay & GS Paper 1, 2, 3 & 4.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2026 is out now.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 2026 is out now.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 2026 is out now.

UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2026 is out now.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026 is now out.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.

→ Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-I 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-II 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-III 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-IV 2025, UPSC Mains English (Compulsory) Paper 2025, UPSC Mains Hindi (Qualifying) Paper 2025 here.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

UPSC GS Course 2027
UPSC GS Course 2027
₹1,80,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹69000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹27000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹14000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now