JEE Main 2026 Application Window Open — Deadline 27 Nov; New Live-Photo & Aadhaar-KYC Rules Introduced

The application window for JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is currently open, with a strict deadline of November 27, 2025 (9:00 PM). The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced significant security enhancements, including mandatory Aadhaar-based e-KYC and a live photo capture feature. Aspirants must ensure their Aadhaar details perfectly match their Class 10 certificate to avoid application issues. These changes aim to streamline the process, verify identity instantly, and curb fraud. Complete your registration promptly on the official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, the premier engineering entrance test for admission to the IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs), is currently accepting online applications for Session 1. The registration process, which began on October 31, 2025, is in full swing, and aspirants are cautioned that the window is rapidly closing. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has set a firm deadline of November 27, 2025 (up to 9:00 PM) for the submission of the online application form. This year, the registration process is notably different, featuring mandatory technology-driven security measures designed to enhance transparency, minimize fraud, and ensure robust identity verification. All candidates must adhere to the new protocols, particularly concerning Aadhaar details and photograph submission, to ensure their application is successfully processed for the examination scheduled between January 21 and January 30, 2026.

​ Mandatory Security Changes: Aadhaar e-KYC and Live Photo

​The most critical update for JEE Main 2026 is the compulsory implementation of digital verification protocols. These steps automate the process of identity confirmation, making the application more secure and reducing the chances of impersonation.

• ​Aadhaar-Based e-KYC Verification:
  • ​Mandatory Use: Candidates are required to use their Aadhaar number for verification during the registration process.
  • ​Auto-Filling Details: The Aadhaar-based e-KYC enables the NTA to automatically fetch and pre-fill basic demographic details such as the candidate's name, gender, and date of birth, directly from the UIDAI database.
  • ​Critical Match Check: It is absolutely essential that the applicant’s name, Date of Birth (DOB), and gender in their Aadhaar card exactly match the details on their Class 10 (or equivalent) certificate. Any mismatch must be rectified in the Aadhaar database before filling out the JEE Main form to avoid rejection or complications later.
• ​Compulsory Live Photo Capture:
  • ​Real-Time Verification: NTA has introduced a mandatory live photograph capture feature. Applicants must use a webcam (or a mobile phone camera by scanning a QR code) while filling out the form to take a photograph in real-time.
  • ​Guidelines for Live Photo: The photo must be taken against a plain, light-colored background (preferably white), with proper lighting. 80% of the face (including ears) must be clearly visible, and the candidate must not wear a mask.
  • ​Dual Requirement: Candidates must capture the live photo and also upload a scanned copy of a recent passport-size photograph, adhering to the specified file size (10 KB to 200 KB, JPG/JPEG format) and dimensions.

​ Application Timeline and Documents Checklist

​With the deadline approaching, aspirants need to focus on completing the remaining steps of the application process accurately and swiftly. Missing the November 27 deadline is non-negotiable and will lead to the forfeiture of the Session 1 attempt.

• ​Critical Session 1 Deadline:
  • ​Online Application Submission: The deadline is November 27, 2025 (up to 9:00 PM IST).
  • ​Fee Payment Deadline: The last date for the successful transaction of the prescribed application fee is also November 27, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM IST).
• ​Essential Document Checklist:
  • ​Aadhaar Card: For e-KYC verification and auto-filling details. Ensure details are correct.
  • ​Scanned Passport Photo: Recent color photo (10 KB to 200 KB, JPG/JPEG, white background).
  • ​Scanned Signature: Clear signature on white paper (10 KB to 100 KB, JPG/JPEG).
  • ​Class 10 Certificate: For proof of DOB (PDF, 50 KB to 300 KB).
  • ​Category/PwD Certificate (if applicable): Must be recent and valid (PDF, 50 KB to 300 KB).
  • ​Valid Email and Mobile Number: Mandatory for all communications, registration, and OTPs.
• ​Post-Application Correction: 
  • ​A small window for corrections in certain particulars of the application form is typically provided by the NTA in December 2025. However, critical fields linked to e-KYC (like name, DOB, gender) may not be editable once verified, reinforcing the need for accuracy during initial registration.

​ Streamlining Preparation for the January Session

​The definitive application deadline allows aspirants to shift their focus entirely to the preparation for the January exam, which is a critical first chance to secure a high percentile.

• ​Exam Dates Confirmed: JEE Main 2026 Session 1 is scheduled between January 21 and January 30, 2026.
• ​Dual Opportunity Strategy: Aspirants should treat the January session as a serious and primary attempt. A good score here alleviates the pressure for the April session, which should be used only for score improvement.
• ​Syllabus Focus: Candidates should prioritize the topics that carry the highest weightage in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as per the revised syllabus. Focused revision, conceptual clarity, and rigorous problem-solving practice are key.
• ​Computer-Based Test (CBT) Familiarity: Since the exam is a CBT, regular practice with NTA Mock Tests is crucial to get accustomed to the interface, navigation, and time management strategies required for the three-hour test duration.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the JEE Main 2026 application window, coupled with the new mandatory e-KYC and live photo capture, signifies a more secure and streamlined process for all engineering aspirants. The strict deadline of November 27, 2025, however, requires immediate action. Aspirants must prioritize correcting any Aadhaar discrepancies and successfully navigating the new verification steps before focusing their energy completely on preparation for the January examination. Completing the application accurately and on time is the first critical step toward securing a seat in a premier technical institute.

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