JEE Main 2026 Photo Mismatch Issue: NTA Extends Deadline to 15 January

National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued an important advisory on 2 January 2026 for candidates appearing in JEE Main 2026, addressing cases where the uploaded live photograph does not match identity proof records. JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions, and registration for Session 1 was held from 31 October to 27 November 2025. During scrutiny of application data, NTA found that some candidates used identity documents other than Aadhaar, and in several cases, the photograph captured during registration did not match the UIDAI database. To resolve this, NTA has introduced an additional identity verification process.

What is JEE Main 2026 Application Photo Mismatch Issue?

According to NTA, a mismatch has been identified between:

• Live photograph uploaded during the application process, and

• Photograph available in the UIDAI/identity proof database

Due to this discrepancy, affected candidates must complete an additional verification step to confirm their identity before appearing for the examination.

NTA’s Official Notice Regarding Photo Mismatch on Jan 2, 2026

NTA has officially informed candidates that those affected by a photograph mismatch must submit a verified certificate along with a recent photograph. The move aims to prevent impersonation and ensure fair conduct of the examination.

The authority has also relaxed attestation rules and extended the submission deadline to support candidates facing difficulties in verification.

What JEE Main 2026 candidates need to do

NTA has allowed affected candidates to upload a signed and attested certificate, along with a recent photograph, to confirm their identity. The photograph must be:

• Recent

• Duly certified

• Attached with an attestation certificate

Who can attest certificate?

Earlier, attestation was allowed only by school or college authorities. After receiving multiple grievances, NTA has expanded the list of permitted verifying officers. Candidates may now obtain attestation from:

• School/College Principal or Headmaster

• Class-I Gazetted Officer, such as:

• Tehsildar

• Revenue Officer

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)

• District Magistrate (DM)

• Class-I Gazetted Officer of the Indian Embassy (for NRI candidates)

Revised last date to submit certificate

To help candidates facing difficulty in reaching verifying authorities, NTA has extended the deadline to 15 January 2026.

Important instructions:

• The certificate must be uploaded in PDF format

• The upload link has been sent to the candidate’s registered email ID

• A printed copy of the certificate must be carried to the exam centre for physical verification on the exam day

Helpdesk support for JEE Main 2026 students 

If candidates face any issues during the process, they may contact NTA through:

• Phone: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700

• Email: jeemain@nta.ac.in