JEE Main 2026 Updates: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the JEE (Main) 2026 examination in two sessions. Online registration for Session 1 was available from October 31 to November 27, 2025. After reviewing the application process, the NTA found that some candidates had provided an identity document other than Aadhaar for the examination. Additionally, there were cases where the live photographs taken during registration did not match the photographs available in the UIDAI database.
To clarify the matter and ensure proper verification, the NTA has introduced a photo verification process for such candidates. Following requests from students, the agency has also relaxed the rules for document attestation and extended the deadline for certificate submission to January 15, 2026, providing relief to many candidates.
JEE Main 2026 Updates: NTA’s Official advisory for JEE Main 2026 Issue Related to Non-Aadhaar Registration and Photo Mismatch
According to the official notification, the NTA observed that several candidates did not use their Aadhaar card as their identity document while applying for JEE Main 2026. Furthermore, in some cases, the live photograph taken during the application process did not match the photograph available in the UIDAI records. Such mismatches could lead to problems during identity verification at the examination centre.
To prevent any inconvenience to the candidates and to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination, the NTA has decided to provide affected candidates with an option for identity verification through an additional certification process.
This is a crucial step for candidates whose Aadhaar details or photographs could not be verified during the online application stage.
JEE Main 2026 Updates: Attestation by Gazetted Officers Allowed
Initially, the NTA had asked candidates to upload a signed and verified certificate with a recent photograph, attested by the school or college principal or headmaster. However, the NTA received numerous complaints from candidates that the officials authorized to verify the documents were not readily available in some areas. Considering these difficulties, the NTA has decided to allow candidates to get their documents verified by Class I Gazetted Officers.
These include officials such as Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), District Magistrate (DM), or Class-I Gazetted Officers of the Indian Embassy for NRI candidates. This relaxation is expected to help candidates complete the verification process without any difficulty.
JEE Main 2026 Updates: Revised Timeline and Verification Instructions for the Exam Day
The National Testing Agency has updated the deadline for submitting the photo verification certificate in PDF format to January 15, 2026. The link for uploading has been sent to the registered email addresses of the candidates concerned. Candidates must verify that the certificate is correctly filled out, signed, attested, and uploaded before the specified deadline.
In addition to submitting the certificate online, candidates must also present a hard copy of the same certificate at the exam centre. On the day of the test, the printed certificate will be used for the physical verification process.
Also Read: JEE Mains Intimation Slip 2026 Expected to be Released Soon
