NTA to Introduce Facial Recognition For NEET, JEE Exams From 2026
NTA to Introduce Facial Recognition For NEET, JEE Exams From 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA), founded in 2017, is set to roll out facial recognition-based verification for major entrance examinations, such as NEET and JEE. This move aims to tighten exam security and prevent impersonation in high-stakes national-level tests.
Overview of New Security Measures
NTA plans to roll out facial recognition and live photo verification for exams like NEET and JEE from 2026. The objective is to curb impersonation and strengthen exam security. Candidates may also be required to capture live photographs during the application process to ensure applications are being filled by genuine individuals.
Key Information and Dates
Here is a summary of important factual data regarding the NTA's new security measures and their implementation timeline for exams like NEET and JEE.
|
Key Information and Dates |
|
|---|---|
|
Particulars |
Details
|
|
Last Updated |
December 24, 2025, 09:42 IST |
|
Implementation Year |
From 2026 |
|
NTA Founding Year |
2017 |
|
Pilot Project Year |
NEET 2025 |
|
JEE (Main) 2026 Schedule |
January 21 to 30 |
|
Committee Formed After |
NEET-UG 2024 allegations |
Details of Facial Recognition System
Facial biometric verification works by analysing unique facial features and matching them with stored data using AI-driven systems. At exam centres, real-time facial scans will be used to confirm a candidate’s identity before entry into the examination hall.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Exam Mode Change
Pilot Project and Implementation
A pilot project was conducted during NEET 2025, where Aadhaar-based facial authentication was tested at select exam centres in Delhi. This trial was carried out in collaboration with UIDAI, NIC, and NTA to assess the feasibility of using facial recognition technology for candidate identity verification at exam venues. Based on the outcome of this pilot, the agency is now preparing to extend the system to other major entrance exams from 2026.
Background and Committee Recommendations
The proposed changes are part of wider reforms recommended by the Radhakrishnan Committee. This committee was constituted by the Centre following allegations of paper leaks, particularly during NEET-UG 2024. Led by former ISRO chief R Radhakrishnan, the committee suggested a two-phase reform plan focusing on stronger digital systems, improved security, and structural changes in exam conduct. Short-term recommendations include revamping the NTA and introducing multi-level biometric checks at the registration, examination, and counselling stages. For the long run, the panel has proposed developing a “Digi-Exam" platform, similar to DigiYatra, to enable biometric-enabled digital examinations.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Affected Examinations and Timeline
The NTA conducts several key entrance exams, including JEE (Main), NEET-UG, and CUET. According to the official calendar, JEE (Main) 2026, scheduled from January 21 to 30, is expected to be the first exam to implement these new security measures.