NTA issues detailed JEE Main 2026 FAQs, clarifying rules on registration, required documents

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has rolled out crucial changes for JEE Main 2026 registration, significantly impacting aspirants. The exam city will now be assigned based only on the address linked to the candidate's Aadhaar card, eliminating preferred choices. Furthermore, a mandatory live photo capture via webcam and the requirement of the Class 11 Registration Number have been introduced for enhanced e-KYC and verification. Aspirants must prepare their documents, especially an updated Aadhaar, and understand the new digital-first approach to ensure a smooth application process. Get the full details, a comprehensive checklist, and preparation tips here.

The path to securing a seat in India's premier engineering institutions through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main has just seen a significant digital overhaul. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for JEE Main 2026, marking a pivotal shift towards a more robust, Aadhaar-linked verification system. For lakhs of engineering aspirants, these changes are not merely procedural; they demand immediate attention and meticulous preparation. The new guidelines, which involve changes to exam city allocation, mandatory live photo capture, and the inclusion of the Class 11 registration number, underscore the NTA's commitment to enhancing transparency, fairness, and security in the examination process. Aspirants must move swiftly from focusing solely on academic preparation to ensuring their documentation is impeccably aligned with the new digital requirements.

​ The Unwavering New Rule: Aadhaar Dictates Exam City

​Aspirants have traditionally had the liberty to select preferred examination cities during registration. For JEE Main 2026, the NTA has clarified that this option will be superseded by an Aadhaar-linked system. This is arguably the most impactful change for candidates planning their logistics.

• ​Aadhaar-Based Allocation is Mandatory: The NTA will now strictly assign the examination city based on the permanent or current address linked to the candidate's Aadhaar card. This move aims to curb malpractices and improve logistical efficiency by ensuring candidates take the exam closer to their genuine residence.
• ​No Preference Choice: The system effectively removes the candidate’s ability to choose an exam city based on a temporary coaching location or other non-residential preference.
• ​Actionable Step: Update Your Aadhaar NOW: This is the most critical preparatory step outside of academics. Candidates whose current place of residence/study does not match the address on their Aadhaar must initiate an address update on the UIDAI portal immediately. Aadhaar updates can take a few weeks to reflect, so proactive action is essential to secure a convenient exam center.

​ Digital Integrity: Mandatory e-KYC and Live Photo Capture

​To reinforce the authentication process and prevent impersonation, the NTA has introduced a sophisticated e-KYC (Know Your Customer) mechanism, making the application process highly secure and digital.

• ​Live Photo Capture is Essential: A new requirement mandates candidates to capture a live photograph using a webcam/device camera during the registration process. This photo will be automatically matched with the Aadhaar database for real-time authentication. 
  • ​Tip: Ensure you have access to a functional computer/laptop with a working webcam and a stable internet connection before starting the application.
• ​Documents for Seamless Digital Verification: The NTA's checklist for registration is now streamlined for digital verification. The core required documents for upload include: 
  • ​Aadhaar Card: For mandatory address and e-KYC verification.
  • ​Class 10 Marksheet/Certificate: Primary proof for Date of Birth and basic details.
  • ​Class 12 Marksheet (or equivalent proof): For academic qualification details.
  • ​Scanned Signature: To be uploaded in the specified size and format (typically JPG/JPEG format).
• ​The New Class 11 Registration Number: To further synchronize academic records and verify the authenticity of the candidate, especially those appearing in Class 12 in the same academic year, the Class 11 Registration Number is now a compulsory field in the application form. Aspirants must retrieve this number from their school records well in advance.

​ Aspirant's Strategy: Document Preparation and Timeline

​The success of the JEE Main 2026 application will hinge as much on meticulous documentation as on academic performance. Aspirants must now adopt a 'Document-First' approach.

• ​Verification and Rectification is Key:
  • ​Verify that your Name, Date of Birth, and Father's Name are identical across your Class 10 Certificate, Class 12 records, and Aadhaar card. Any discrepancy must be corrected before the application window closes.
  • ​Ensure your Aadhaar address is the permanent or current address where you reside. If not, submit an update request to UIDAI immediately.
• ​Digital File Readiness: Prepare high-quality, clear scans or digital copies of all required documents (Aadhaar, Class 10/12 marksheets, live photo, and signature) adhering strictly to the NTA's specified format and file size limits (e.g., photo size 10–200 KB, signature size 10–100 KB in JPG/JPEG format). Failure to meet specifications can lead to application rejection.
• ​Checklist for Droppers and Repeaters: Even if you are a repeater, the new rules apply. Ensure your existing Aadhaar address and all academic documents are updated and ready for the new verification protocol.

​Conclusion: A Digital Gateway to IITs

​The NTA's comprehensive FAQs and subsequent changes for JEE Main 2026 signal a robust, digitized, and secure future for the nation's most competitive engineering entrance exam. While the new rules—especially the Aadhaar-linked exam city allocation and the mandatory live photo capture—add a layer of pre-exam preparedness, they are ultimately designed to ensure a fair and transparent process. Aspirants for the 2026 cycle must treat these registration requirements with the same seriousness as their academic studies.

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