With the new mandate, certain candidates will have to submit a “Photo Identity Proof Certificate” before January 7, 2026. The move is part of a host of measures to further fortify examination integrity, introduce real-time identity verification, and reduce impersonation.
Who is Required to Submit the Photo Verification Certificate?
Not all aspirants have to undergo this procedure. The rule specifically mentions the following types of candidates:
Those who got a PAN Card, Indian Passport, or Non-Indian Passport and registered for JEE Main 2026.
Those who did not submit Aadhaar or DigiLocker ID during the initial application.
Those who faced issues like their data not being able to be synced with Aadhaar or photo mismatch.
Caution: If at all you got the registration done through either Aadhaar Card or DigiLocker, then your data has already been authenticated and hence you do not need to complete this process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Verification
Should you find yourself in any one of the categories mentioned above, then proceed with these steps right away to prevent any technical glitches at the last minute:
- Log In to Portal: visiting the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in and logging in with the application number and password is the first step.
- Certificate Download: Go to the dashboard, locate the section labeled “Photo Verification Certificate”, then download the PDF and produce a quality printout.
- Fill and Affix Photo: Enter your details as they are in your application form. A recent passport-sized photo should be pasted in the given place.
- Get Official Attestation: This step is very crucial. The certificate needs to be signed and stamped by the Principal or Headmaster of your school or college.
- Signature Rule: The official signature and the school seal must be placed such that they cover part of the photograph and part of the certificate.
- Scan and Upload: After the document has been attested, it must be scanned in PDF format and uploaded to the candidate portal in the given time frame.
Important Dates to Remember
The window for this verification is narrow. Ensure you mark these dates on your calendar:
| Event | Date |
| Last Date to Upload Certificate | January 7, 2026 |
| Advance Exam City Intimation Slip | Expected January 8, 2026 |
| JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exams | January 21 – January 30, 2026 |
Why This Matters for Exam Day
Merely uploading the document is not complete in itself. For an examination, a candidate must carry the attested physical copy of that certificate to the exam centre allotted. The candidates would face problems if this attested paper were not available to them on the day of the exam at the time of the mandatory live photograph and biometric verification by the invigilator in the exam hall. NTA has introduced facial biometric verification all over the country for the 2026 session with complete transparency in mind.
Need help?
If you face any issues regarding the download or upload process, you can reach out to the NTA helpdesk:
- Helpline: 011-40759000 or 011-69227700
- Email: jeemain@nta.ac.in
Stay focused on your preparation, but don’t let this administrative requirement slip through the cracks. Completing it now will save you from unnecessary stress on the day of the exam.
