JEE Main 2026: NTA Clarifies Identity Document Advisory

NEW DELHI – The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified its public notice regarding document verification for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026. The agency confirmed that its advisory, issued on September 29, 2025, has no connection to the allotment process for exam cities or centres for JEE Main or any other NTA examination. The JEE Main 2026 will proceed in two separate sessions, scheduled for January and April 2026.

Understanding the Advisory

The NTA issued the September 29, 2025, notice to proactively assist candidates. The advisory specifically urged students to update and verify essential identity documents well before the application window for JEE Main 2026 opens. This directive aims to streamline the application process for thousands of prospective engineering students.

In previous examination cycles, many candidates experienced significant challenges while submitting their online application forms. These difficulties frequently stemmed from discrepancies in personal details found across different official records. Common issues included mismatches between information on their Aadhaar Card, Class 10 certificate, and other supporting identification documents. Such inconsistencies often resulted in delays or complications during the crucial application stage. The NTA’s pre-emptive advisory seeks to mitigate these recurring problems, ensuring a smoother registration experience for all applicants for the upcoming 2026 examination.

No Link to Exam Centre Allotment

A key point of the NTA’s recent communication is the categorical denial of any link between the document update advisory and the allocation of examination cities or centres. Rumours or unverified information suggesting otherwise have circulated, prompting the NTA to issue this explicit clarification. The agency’s Director directly addressed these concerns, confirming the advisory’s singular focus on pre-application document readiness.

This clarification underscores that students should not misinterpret the call for document verification as a precursor to their preferred exam location being decided. The process of assigning examination cities and centres operates under separate, established protocols. The September 29 notice was solely an instruction for candidates to ensure their personal identification details are accurate and consistent across all official records before they begin filling out the JEE Main 2026 application form.

JEE Main 2026 Examination Schedule Confirmed

The National Testing Agency reiterated the confirmed schedule for the JEE Main 2026 examination. The exam will be conducted in two distinct sessions during the calendar year. The first session is set for January 2026, providing an initial opportunity for candidates to appear. The second and final session will take place in April 2026.

This two-session format allows students flexibility and an additional chance to improve their scores. Candidates typically have the option to appear in one or both sessions, with their best score considered for ranking purposes. The NTA advises all prospective candidates to mark these months in their academic calendars for their JEE Main 2026 preparations.

Action for Candidates: Document Preparation

Candidates preparing for JEE Main 2026 must take specific steps regarding their personal documents. The NTA strongly recommends updating and verifying key identity records now. This includes ensuring all details on their Aadhaar cards are current and match other official documents. Similarly, Universal Disability ID (UDID) cards, if applicable, and category certificates (e.g., OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS) require review and necessary updates. Completing these verifications well in advance of the application opening date is crucial. This proactive approach will prevent potential errors and delays once the online application process commences.

Rely Only on Official Sources

The NTA issued a strong caution to all aspirants and their parents. The agency advises against being misled by unverified information circulating online, particularly on social media platforms. The official website of the NTA remains the sole authoritative source for all examination-related information, updates, and announcements. Candidates must regularly consultnta.ac.infor accurate and reliable details concerning JEE Main 2026 and other examinations. Disregarding this advice could lead to reliance on false information, impacting application accuracy or exam preparation.