JEE Main 2026: NTA extends deadline for identity verification in photo mismatch cases

JEE Main 2026: Candidates must carry a printed copy of the same attested certificate to the examination centre for physical verification on the day of the examination (Representative image/ Pexels)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the deadline for identity verification for candidates appearing in the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main 2026) who were flagged for a mismatch between the photographs uploaded during registration and those available in official identity records. Candidates can now upload the attested identity verification certificate in PDF format till January 15, 2026, using the link sent to their registered email IDs.

JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions. The online application process for Session 1 was open from October 31, 2025, to November 27, 2025. Following scrutiny of application data, the NTA observed that in some cases, photographs captured during the application process did not match the photographs available with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), particularly where candidates had registered using identity proof documents other than Aadhaar.

To address these discrepancies and ensure that eligible candidates are not inconvenienced, the NTA had earlier asked affected candidates to verify their identity by uploading a signed and attested certificate along with a recent photograph. The certificate was initially required to be attested by the school or college principal or headmaster.

However, after receiving grievances from candidates regarding limited accessibility to such verifying authorities, the NTA has relaxed the verification norms and extended the deadline for submission of the required documents.

The NTA has expanded the list of officials authorised to attest the certificate. Candidates may now obtain attestation from a Class-I Gazetted Officer, including tehsildars, revenue officers, sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs), district magistrates (DMs), or Class-I Gazetted Officers of the Indian Embassy in the case of NRI candidates.

The agency has also clarified that candidates must carry a printed copy of the same attested certificate to the examination centre for physical verification on the day of the examination. This will be used to confirm the candidate’s identity during the entry and verification process.

Candidates who face difficulties in completing the identity verification process have been advised to contact the NTA helpline numbers at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or email jeemain@nta.ac.in for assistance.