The National Testing Agency (NTA) has granted a crucial extension to candidates facing photograph discrepancies for the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) 2026. In a significant relief measure, the agency has pushed the deadline for submitting identity verification documents to January 15, 2026.
What Prompted the Extension?
This decision follows the NTA's scrutiny of applications for JEE Main 2026 Session 1, for which registrations were open from October 31 to November 27, 2025. The agency identified cases where the photograph uploaded during the application process did not match the image on file with official identity records, particularly with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This issue was more prevalent among candidates who used identity proofs other than Aadhaar for registration.
To resolve these mismatches and ensure no eligible candidate is barred, the NTA initially instructed affected individuals to upload a signed and attested certificate with a recent photo. The attestation was originally required from a school or college principal. However, after receiving feedback from candidates about difficulties in accessing these authorities, the NTA has both relaxed the norms and extended the submission window.
Revised Verification Process and Authorized Signatories
The agency has significantly expanded the list of officials authorized to attest the identity verification certificate. Candidates can now get their documents attested by:
- A Class-I Gazetted Officer
- Tehsildars or Revenue Officers
- Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) or District Magistrates (DMs)
- For NRI candidates, Class-I Gazetted Officers of the Indian Embassy
Affected candidates must upload the attested certificate in PDF format using a dedicated link sent to their registered email IDs by the new deadline of January 15, 2026.
Mandatory Steps for Exam Day
The NTA has issued a critical reminder for the examination day. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the same attested certificate to their respective examination centres. This hard copy will be used for physical verification of identity during the entry process on the day of the JEE Main 2026 exam.
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions. Candidates who encounter any issues during the identity verification process are advised to seek immediate assistance. They can contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700, or send an email to jeemain@nta.ac.in.
This extension and the relaxation in attestation norms underscore the NTA's effort to streamline the process and address genuine logistical hurdles faced by aspirants, ensuring a fair and accessible examination for all.
