JEE Main 2026: NTA to close photo verification certificate submission today; here's what candidates must do

JEE Main 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the extended deadline today, January 15, 2026, for submitting the photo verification certificate for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. Candidates who were asked to complete additional identity verification must upload the required certificate before the end of the day.

This facility was provided for candidates whose Aadhaar details were not used during registration or whose live photograph did not match the photograph available in the UIDAI database.

Why was the photo verification process introduced?

JEE Main 2026 is being conducted in two sessions. The online registration for Session 1 was held between October 31 and November 27, 2025. After reviewing the applications, the National Testing Agency found that some candidates had used identity documents other than Aadhaar, and in certain cases, the live photograph captured during registration did not match official records.

To ensure smooth identity verification at exam centres, the agency introduced an additional photo verification process for such candidates.

Who needs to submit the photo verification certificate?

This step is mandatory for candidates:

• Who did not register using Aadhaar
• Whose photograph did not match during verification
• Who received an official email from NTA asking for document submission
• Only affected candidates were given access to the upload link.

Attestation rules relaxed by NTA

Initially, candidates were asked to get the certificate signed by their school or college principal or headmaster. However, after receiving requests from students, NTA allowed attestation by Class I Gazetted Officers.

These include:

• Tehsildar
• Revenue Officer
• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
• District Magistrate (DM)
• Class I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy (for Non-Resident Indian candidates)

This change was made to help students complete the process easily.

What candidates must do before today ends:

• Check the registered email ID for the upload link
• Fill the photo verification certificate correctly
• Get it signed and attested by an authorised officer
• Upload the certificate in PDF format
• Save a copy for future reference

Candidates must also carry a printed copy of the same certificate to the exam centre for physical verification on the exam day.

NTA has clearly stated that candidates who fail to submit the certificate by today may face issues during entry at the examination centre. Students are advised to complete the process as soon as possible to avoid last-minute problems.
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