NTA Issues Urgent Photo Verification Directive for CUET UG 2026 Aspirants
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a crucial advisory for candidates registered for the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2026. This official notice, published on April 7, 2026, addresses a significant issue concerning mismatched photographs in application documents.
Photo Discrepancy Detected in Non-Aadhaar Applications
Following a comprehensive review of application data, the NTA discovered that certain candidates who utilized identity documents other than the Aadhaar Card submitted photographs that do not align with their records. Specifically, the live photographs captured during the online application process failed to match the photographs stored in the Unique Identification Authority of India's database.
This discrepancy poses a potential risk for identity verification during the examination. To mitigate this, the NTA has established a corrective procedure for the impacted candidates.
Mandatory Verification Process for Affected Students
Candidates identified with photo mismatches are required to upload a signed and attested certificate alongside a recent photograph. The attestation must be provided by the principal or headmaster of the candidate's current school or college, confirming the authenticity of the submitted image.
The NTA has outlined strict guidelines for this verification:
- The certificate and photograph must be combined into a single PDF file.
- Submission must be made exclusively through the official correction link provided on the NTA website.
- Candidates are urged to execute this process with utmost care to prevent any complications on the examination day.
Alternative Attestation Authorities Available
Recognizing that some candidates may face difficulties obtaining verification from their educational institutions, the NTA has permitted alternative attestation options. In such cases, candidates may submit a certificate attested by any of the following authorities:
- A Gazetted Officer
- A Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
- A Member of Parliament (MP)
This flexibility ensures that all affected candidates have a viable pathway to resolve their verification issues.
Critical Deadline: April 10, 2026
The correction facility for photo verification is available for a limited window. Candidates must complete the submission process between April 7, 2026, and April 10, 2026, with the portal closing precisely at 10:00 PM on the final date.
Failure to adhere to this deadline may result in identity verification failures during the examination, potentially barring entry to the test center.
Examination Schedule and Background
The CUET UG 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted from May 13 to May 31, 2026. The initial online application window was open from January 2 to February 4, 2026, with a prior correction period available from February 23 to February 26, 2026.
This latest advisory is part of the NTA's ongoing efforts to ensure a seamless and secure examination process, minimizing identity-related disruptions for all participants.
Additional Support and Resources
Candidates are strongly advised to monitor the official NTA website regularly for any further updates or clarifications. For direct assistance, the NTA Help Desk can be contacted at 011-40759000, or queries can be emailed to the official support address.
This proactive measure by the NTA underscores the importance of accurate documentation in high-stakes national examinations and aims to safeguard the integrity of the CUET UG 2026 admission process.
