The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced crucial relaxations and an extension for candidates facing issues with identity verification for the upcoming JEE (Main) 2026 examination. This move comes after the agency identified discrepancies during the scrutiny of applications for Session 1, which saw online registration open from October 31 to November 27, 2025.
Addressing Aadhaar and Photo Mismatch Issues
During its review, the NTA discovered two primary problems. Firstly, a number of candidates used identity proofs other than the Aadhaar card for registration. Secondly, and more notably, the live photographs captured during the application process for some aspirants did not match the images stored in the official UIDAI database. Such inconsistencies could lead to significant hurdles and potential denial of entry at the examination centre on the test day.
To ensure a fair and smooth process for all, the NTA has instituted a mandatory additional verification step. Candidates flagged for these Aadhaar-related discrepancies must now complete a photo verification process. The agency has made this compulsory to prevent any last-minute inconvenience for the students.
Key Relaxations in the Attestation Process
Initially, the NTA mandated that the verification certificate, featuring a recent photograph, be attested solely by the candidate's School or College Principal or Headmaster. However, the agency received numerous representations from students across the country who found it difficult to access these specific authorities.
Responding to these concerns, the NTA has significantly broadened the list of officials who can attest the document. Candidates can now get their photo verification certificate attested by a Class I Gazetted Officer. This includes officers such as:
- Tehsildar
- Revenue Officer
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
- District Magistrate (DM)
- For NRI candidates, a Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy
This relaxation is expected to greatly ease the logistical burden on thousands of JEE Main 2026 aspirants, providing them with more accessible options to complete their verification.
Revised Deadline and Exam Day Instructions
In a major relief, the NTA has extended the final date for uploading the required certificate. The new deadline is now January 15, 2026. The upload link has been communicated directly to the affected candidates via their registered email addresses.
Candidates must ensure the certificate is correctly filled, signed by the appropriate gazetted officer, and uploaded in PDF format before this revised cutoff. Furthermore, it is imperative to carry a hard copy of this attested certificate to the examination centre. This physical copy will be used for final identity verification on the day of the exam.
Adhering strictly to these guidelines is essential for a hassle-free entry into the examination hall. The NTA's advisory underscores the importance of completing both the online submission and carrying the physical document to avoid any disruption on the crucial test day.
