Candidates who applied for JEE Main 2026 without using an Aadhaar card have received an important and time-sensitive alert from the National Testing Agency (NTA). According to the latest official notice, January 15, 2026, is the final deadline to complete the photo verification process for such applicants. After today, no further opportunity will be provided, and pending verifications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The NTA has clearly stated that candidates who fail to upload the required photo verification certificate by the end of the day may face serious consequences, including withholding of admit cards or denial of entry at the examination centre.

Who Needs to Complete Photo Verification?

This additional verification process applies only to specific candidates, not all JEE Main applicants. You are required to complete photo verification if:

• You registered for JEE Main 2026 without using Aadhaar, and

• There was a mismatch between your live photograph uploaded during registration and your identity document (such as PAN card or passport), or

• You received an official email from NTA requesting submission of additional identity documents

Only candidates who were flagged during application scrutiny were provided access to the photo verification upload link. If you did not receive such communication, you are not affected by this requirement.

Why Did NTA Introduce This Verification Step?

JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions, and Session 1 registrations were held between October 31 and November 27, 2025. During application review, NTA observed that some candidates had:

• Used non-Aadhaar identity documents

• Uploaded unclear or mismatched live photographs

• Submitted images that did not align with official records

To ensure smooth identity verification at exam centres and prevent impersonation, the agency introduced an additional photo verification process for such cases. This step aims to maintain transparency and fairness in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.

Relaxation in Attestation Rules

Initially, NTA required the photo verification certificate to be attested by the school principal or college head. However, after receiving multiple requests from students, the agency relaxed the rule.

Now, candidates are allowed to get the certificate attested by any Class I Gazetted Officer, making the process easier and more accessible, especially for students in remote areas.

Authorized Officers for Attestation

Candidates can get their photo verification certificate signed and attested by any of the following Class I Gazetted Officers:

• Tehsildar

• Revenue Officer

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)

• District Magistrate (DM)

• Class I Gazetted Officer at an Indian Embassy (for NRI candidates)

The attestation must be clear, authentic, and properly stamped to avoid rejection.

What Candidates Must Do Before the Deadline Ends

With only hours remaining, affected candidates should immediately complete the following steps:

1. Check your registered email ID for the official upload link sent by NTA

2. Download and fill the photo verification certificate correctly

3. Get it signed and attested by an authorized officer

4. Scan and upload the certificate in PDF format through the provided link

5. Save a copy of the uploaded document for future reference

6. Keep a physical copy ready for verification at the exam centre, if required

NTA has emphasized that incomplete, incorrect, or late submissions will not be entertained.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Candidates who fail to complete the photo verification process by January 15, 2026, may face:

• Delay or cancellation of admit card issuance

• Disqualification from appearing in JEE Main 2026

• Identity-related issues at the examination centre

Since JEE Main is a gateway exam for NITs, IIITs, and other top engineering institutes, missing this step could seriously impact a student’s academic future.

Final Advice for Students

If you are among the affected candidates, do not wait any longer. Complete the verification process immediately and ensure all documents are correctly uploaded. Regularly check official NTA notifications and emails to stay updated.

For students not affected by this notice, it is still advisable to review application details carefully and ensure compliance with all exam-related guidelines.

Timely action today can save months of stress tomorrow.