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NTA JEE Main 2026: Photo verification for non-Aadhaar applicants over

The verification exercise is part of the NTA’s efforts to strengthen examination security and ensure fairness in the conduct of JEE Main.

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 16, 2026 11:34 AM IST

The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination is scheduled to be held between January 21 and 29. (Image: AI generated)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on January 15 closed the facility to submit the photo verification certificate for JEE Main 2026. This requirement applied to a select group of candidates whose identity could not be fully verified during the application process, mainly those who registered using non-Aadhaar identification documents or whose uploaded photograph did not match official records.

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Affected candidates were informed directly by the exam conducting body, NTA, through registered email IDs and were provided a dedicated link on the official JEE Main website, jeemain.nta.nic.in, to complete the verification process. The agency introduced this additional step to ensure accurate candidate identification and prevent impersonation or discrepancies during the examination.

To complete the process, candidates must download the photo verification certificate from the portal, paste a recent passport-size photograph on the form, and get it attested by an authorised authority. The certificate must be signed and stamped by the principal or head of the institution last attended by the candidate. In cases where this is not feasible, attestation by a Class-I gazetted officer such as a Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, District Magistrate or an equivalent official is permitted.

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Once attested, the certificate has to be scanned clearly and uploaded in PDF format through the candidate login before the deadline. Candidates are also advised to keep a printed copy of the uploaded certificate, as they will be required to produce it at the examination centre for physical verification on the exam day. Failure to submit or present the certificate may result in denial of entry to the examination hall.

The verification exercise is part of the NTA’s efforts to strengthen examination security and ensure fairness in the conduct of JEE Main, which is one of the largest engineering entrance examinations in the country.

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The JEE Main 2026 Session 1 examination is scheduled to be held between January 21 and January 29 for admission to undergraduate engineering, architecture and planning programmes. Admit cards and exam city intimation slips are expected to be released shortly on the official website.

Candidates are strongly advised to complete all pending verification formalities within the stipulated time to avoid last-minute complications and ensure a smooth examination experience.