Aadhaar to decide JEE 2026 exam cities; NTA details process for students without it

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will now assign examination cities strictly based on the permanent or current address linked to candidates’ Aadhaar cards, according to a report by TOI. The move aims to enhance transparency, fairness and logistical efficiency as part of a broader digital transformation of the agency’s examination processes.

The new Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification system will be implemented from JEE (Main) 2026 (session-1). It follows recommendations from the Radhakrishnan Committee Report on NTA Reforms (2024), which proposed a comprehensive digital upgrade of exam management and candidate verification.

Under the new system, candidates’ Aadhaar details — including name, address, date of birth, gender and photograph — will be verified through e-KYC with their consent. During registration, live photographs captured via laptop cameras or QR codes will be automatically matched with the Aadhaar database to confirm authenticity.


A senior NTA official said Aadhaar would play a central role in ensuring authenticity and convenience.

How candidates without Aadhaar can apply for JEE 2026 exam

Candidates who do not possess an Aadhaar card can still apply for exams, but their identity will be verified through a physical process. The NTA will notify applicants if a mismatch occurs between Aadhaar data and the uploaded photograph, allowing them to update details before final submission.

Accessibility features for candidates with disabilities

Alongside the verification upgrade, NTA is introducing new assistive tools for candidates with disabilities. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) interface will now include an enhanced magnifier function capable of up to four times zoom, and a dark mode for better visibility and comfort.

“These digital inclusions are not cosmetic—they are about dignity, accessibility and equal opportunity in examination environments,” the official said.

(With inputs from TOI)