JEE Mains 2026 Update: Check Live Photo Upload, Aadhar Verification, and Many More

The JEE Mains 2026 registration process has undergone several crucial updates impacting every aspirant filling out the NTA JEE form. The NTA JEE Main 2026 has introduced new rules related to photo size, live photo upload, Aadhaar verification, and calculator usage. The NTA has introduced several key updates for JEE Main 2026 to enhance digital security, ensure transparency, and make the exam process more inclusive for all candidates. These changes aim to make the application and exam experience smoother, reduce technical errors, and ensure transparency in identity verification. For students planning to appear in January or April sessions, understanding these updates before filling out the JEE Main 2026 registration NTA form is essential.

Note: There are no changes regarding the use of the online calculator. NTA has made a typing error and has released an updated rule stating that the Use of calculators in any form (physical or virtual/onscreen) is not permitted in JEE Main 2026.

JEE Mains 2026 Registration

Although most of the rules are the same as those for JEE Main 2025, this year, the NTA has clarified the application process for candidates. Initially, for JEE Mains 2026 Registration, candidates may apply only for Session 1 and pay fees accordingly. A separate opportunity will be available to apply for Session 2 using the same application number when that application window opens later.

Events	Dates
Session 1 (January 2026)
Online Submission of Application Form	October 2025 onwards
Dates of Examination	Between 21 – 30 January 2026
Session 2 (April 2026)
Online Submission of Application Form	Last week of January 2026 onwards
Dates of Examination	Between 01 – 10 April 2026

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Aadhaar / UDID / Category Certificate Advisory

The NTA will use Aadhaar-based electronic KYC to automatically verify candidate details such as name, photograph, gender, and date of birth. This digital verification system reduces manual data errors and speeds up the approval process by around 25 to 30 per cent. Candidates are advised to ensure the following before applying:

• Aadhaar Card: Candidates must have the correct name, date of birth (as per their Class 10 certificate), a recent photograph, their current address, and the name of their father.
• UDID Card (for Persons with Disabilities): Candidates should have a valid, updated and renewed as required.  
• Category Certificate (EWS / SC / ST / OBC-NCL): Candidates should ensure that their category certificate is updated, valid, and consistent with the information entered in the application form.

NTA Introduces Live Photo Capture and e-KYC Verification System for JEE Mains 2026

Applicants will now be required to take a live photograph using a webcam while completing the application form. This step enables instant identity verification and helps prevent the use of edited or duplicate images.
After completing JEE Main 2026 registration and entering emergency contact details, you’ll reach the Live Photo Capture section.

Steps to Capture Live Photo

• Connect your webcam and check that your live image appears in the preview box.
• Use a light-colored background and proper lighting. Ensure your face (about 80% visible) and ears are clearly shown. Avoid wearing a mask.
• Click Capture Photograph and, if satisfied, choose Upload Photograph. Retake if needed.
• If your system lacks a webcam, scan the on-screen QR code using your mobile device. Capture and upload your photo, then click Refresh Captured Photo on your computer.
• Complete the process before the timer ends.

Live Camera Tips

• Turn on your webcam or built-in camera.
• Check lighting and background clarity.
• Keep your face fully within the frame and visible.
• Press Capture Photograph and preview the image before final submission.

Using a Mobile or Tablet

• Scan the shown QR code to open the capture link.
• Take your photo using your device’s camera.
• Upload it in the same window and select Refresh Captured Photo.
• Once the image displays correctly on your form, proceed to submit.

JEE Main Photo Requirements for 2026 Registration

The NTA specifies strict JEE Main 2026 Photo size and format rules. Candidates can check the JEE Main photo size guidelines.

• Photo (Recent colour photo with 80% face visible (no mask), white background, JPG/JPEG, 10–200 KB.)
• Signature (JPG/JPEG, 10–100 KB)
• Class 10 certificate/marks sheet (PDF, 50–300 KB)
• Identity proof (if applicable) (JPG/JPEG, 10–200 KB)
• PwD/UDID certificate (if applicable) (PDF, 50–300 KB)

Also Check: JEE Mains 2026: NTA Introduces Live Photo Capture and e-KYC Verification System

Enhanced Accessibility for PwD Candidates

To make the test more inclusive, NTA has introduced several assistive features for students with disabilities, including dark mode, magnifier tools, adjustable font sizes, and navigation using keyboard keys. These improvements are expected to benefit around 2,000 to 2,500 PwD candidates across India.

• Person with Benchmark Disability: At least 40% of a specified disability, certified by an authorised authority.
• Person with Disability: Long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment hindering full participation in society.
• A scribe/Reader/Lab Assistant facility will be available for benchmark disability candidates with writing limitations.
• Mandatory for blindness, bilateral-arms locomotor disability (BA), and cerebral palsy cases (if desired).
• Other disability cases require a medical certificate that proves the limitation in writing.
• The candidate may use their own scribe after submitting the details.
• Applies to candidates with less than 40% disability but who have difficulty writing.
• Scribe and/or compensatory time granted only on a certificate from a competent medical authority (multi-member board).
• The board includes a CMO/Civil Surgeon, an Orthopaedist/PMR specialist, a Neurologist (if available), a Psychologist/Special Educator, and an Occupational Therapist (if available).

Scribe and Compensatory Time Guidelines (NTA)

• The candidate can choose their own scribe or request that the NTA provide one.
• Scribes to be verified before the exam.
• Minimum compensatory time: 20 minutes/hour (1 hour for a 3-hour exam).
• Extra time applies even if the scribe facility is not used.
• Candidates cannot misuse scribe/compensatory time; misuse leads to cancellation of evaluation/admission.
• PwD certificate (UDID) must be uploaded in the JEE Mains 2026 application form.

CBSE Registration Number in JEE Mains 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to collect the CBSE registration number of Class 11 students while filling out the JEE Main 2026 application form. This step ensures that the schedules of JEE Mains and CBSE board exams do not clash. Therefore, schools must give the CBSE registration number to all Class 11 students applying for JEE Main.

This new rule was introduced to streamline the registration and verification process. In earlier years, many students faced problems because their details in JEE Main forms, board exam records, and counselling documents did not match. Such mismatches often caused delays and extra verification steps.

By entering the registration number in CBSE 10th marksheet and continuing with the same number in Class 11 and JEE Main forms, students will now have a single verified record used for all future exams and admissions.

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NTA JEE Main Exam Centres Rule Changed for 2026

JEE Main Exam centres will now be allocated based on the address mentioned in the candidate’s Aadhaar card, reducing irregularities in exam centre selection. NTA will obtain specific details directly from UIDAI via Aadhaar authentication during the application process. Candidates need to update their Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Photograph and Address. 

Additionally, the total number of cities hosting the JEE Main 2026 exam has increased to 323, ensuring better nationwide accessibility.

• Total Exam Cities for JEE Mains 2026: 323
• Total Exam Cities for JEE Mains 2025: 299
• Newly Added: 33
• Removed/Merged:7

JEE Main 2026 Exam Centres Removed/Merged

The NTA has recently announced updates to the JEE Main 2026 exam centre list, with several old centres removed and new ones added or merged across multiple cities.

State	City	Code
Bihar	Rohtas	BR41
Gujarat	Himatnagar	GJ14
Kerala	Piyyannur	KL21
Kerala	Chengannur	KL23
Kerala	Ernakulam	KL24
Kerala	Moovattupuzha	KL25
Maharashtra	Yavatmal	MR34

Conclusion

The JEE Main 2026 registration process has become more streamlined and transparent thanks to the NTA JEE Main 2026 registration update, which integrates Aadhaar verification and live photo capture. These new measures strengthen identity validation, reduce duplicity, and enhance exam security. Students must ensure that their Aadhaar details are updated before starting their JEE Main 2026 Aadhar registration to avoid verification issues. The NTA JEE Main 2026 update also focuses on accessibility, adding new exam centres and assistive tools for PwD candidates, ensuring inclusivity. Before applying, carefully review all eligibility criteria, double-check the uploaded documents, and note that the on-screen calculator has been removed. As a result, accuracy in manual calculation and conceptual clarity are now more vital than ever.