The National Testing Agency has issued an important notice for JEE Main 2026 applicants who did not use Aadhaar for registration. Such candidates have been directed to submit a photo verification certificate on or before January 7, 2026. This step is mandatory and forms part of the identity verification process for the upcoming engineering entrance examination. Candidates who fail to complete this requirement within the given deadline may face issues with their application status.
I am writing about this update because document verification requirements often create confusion among students, especially those applying without Aadhaar details. With JEE Main being a high-stakes exam for admission to engineering courses, even a small oversight can cause unnecessary stress. Clear understanding of this directive will help candidates complete the process on time and focus fully on their exam preparation.
What the NTA Has Directed JEE Main 2026 Candidates to Do
The directive has been issued by the National Testing Agency, which conducts JEE Main for admission to BTech, BArch, and BPlan programmes. According to the notice, candidates who registered using non-Aadhaar identity documents must upload a photo verification certificate within the specified timeframe.
This move is aimed at strengthening identity checks and ensuring transparency in the examination process.
Who Needs to Submit the Photo Verification Certificate
The instruction applies specifically to:
- Candidates who did not use Aadhaar during JEE Main 2026 registration
- Applicants who used alternate ID documents such as passport, PAN card, or other valid IDs
Candidates who registered using Aadhaar are not required to submit this additional certificate.
What Is a Photo Verification Certificate
A photo verification certificate is a document that confirms the candidate’s identity and photograph. It is usually issued and attested by a recognised authority such as:
- School or college head
- Gazetted officer
- Any other authority specified by NTA
The certificate helps NTA verify that the photograph uploaded during registration matches the candidate’s identity.
Deadline to Submit Photo Verification Certificate
As per the official notice:
- Last date to submit the certificate: January 7, 2026
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day, as technical delays can occur during uploading.
How to Upload the Certificate
Candidates can submit the photo verification certificate by following these steps:
- Visit the official JEE Main or NTA website
- Log in using application number and password
- Upload the photo verification certificate in the prescribed format
- Submit and save the confirmation page
It is important to ensure that the uploaded document is clear and readable.
Why This Step Is Important
Identity verification is a critical part of competitive examinations. In recent years, NTA has strengthened its processes to prevent impersonation and discrepancies. For non-Aadhaar candidates, the photo verification certificate acts as an additional layer of security.
Missing this step may lead to rejection of the application or issues during admit card release.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Candidates who fall under the non-Aadhaar category should immediately check their application status and arrange the required certificate. Keeping a copy of the uploaded document for future reference is also advisable.
I personally feel that completing such formalities early helps reduce anxiety closer to the exam date.
