CUET UG 2026 Photo Mismatch: NTA Issues Urgent Advisory & Verification Guide
NTA has issued a critical alert for CUET UG 2026 candidates regarding photo mismatches. Students with discrepancies between live photos and ID records must upload an attested certificate by April 10, 2026, to secure their exam eligibility.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a high-priority notification for candidates appearing in the Common University Entrance Test [CUET (UG) – 2026]. During a recent data audit, the NTA flagged significant photograph discrepancies in several applications, primarily affecting those who used non-Aadhaar identity proofs.
If you are a CUET aspirant, this update is mandatory to ensure your admit card is issued for the exams scheduled between May 11 and May 31, 2026.
Why did NTA issue this Advisory?
The NTA observed that for many candidates, the live photograph captured during the registration process (January 3 – February 4, 2026) does not match the images stored in official UIDAI records. This mismatch has necessitated a manual identity verification process to prevent impersonation and ensure a fair examination.
Action Plan: How to Resolve CUET 2026 Photo Mismatch
Affected candidates have a narrow window to rectify their profiles. Follow these steps to ensure your candidature remains valid:
1. Prepare the Official Certificate
Affected students must provide a signed and attested certificate featuring a recent passport-sized photograph. This document acts as a legal bridge for your identity verification.
2. Authorized Attestation Officers
The certificate is only valid if verified and stamped by one of the following:
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School/College Principal or Headmaster.
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Class-I Gazetted Officer (such as a Tehsildar, SDM, or District Magistrate).
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Indian Embassy Official (for NRI candidates only).
3. Submission Timeline
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Submission Window: April 7 to April 10, 2026 (10:00 PM).
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Format: The document must be uploaded in PDF format.
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Access: Check your registered email ID for the specific submission link provided by the NTA.
Important Note: High traffic is expected on the NTA servers on the final day. Candidates are advised to complete the upload immediately to avoid technical delays.
Mandatory Requirement for Exam Day
Uploading the PDF is only the first step. Candidates must carry the original, printed copy of the attested certificate to the exam center. Physical verification will be conducted at the gates; without this document, entry to the CUET UG 2026 exam hall may be denied.
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Date |
| Photo Verification Deadline | April 10, 2026 |
| CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates | May 11 – May 31, 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | Expected early May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Expected mid-May 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I registered using my Aadhaar card. Do I need to re-verify?
This advisory mostly impacts those who used Non-Aadhaar IDs or those whose Aadhaar photo is significantly outdated. If you have not received an official email from NTA regarding a discrepancy, your application is likely secure.
Q2: What happens if the photo on my certificate doesn't match my live photo?
The certificate must include a recent photograph. The purpose of the Gazetted Officer's attestation is to legally confirm that the person in the photo is the same person appearing for the exam.
Q3: Can I submit the certificate via post or offline at NTA offices?
No. The NTA requires the submission to be done digitally via the link sent to your email. However, you must keep the physical copy for the day of the exam.
Q4: Is a digital signature or e-stamp valid?
No. The agency requires a physical signature and a visible official seal/stamp from the authorized officer to ensure the document's authenticity.
Official Help Desk: If you have not received the email link despite a mismatch, or face technical issues, contact the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 or send an inquiry to the official CUET support email.
Bookmark this page for real-time updates on CUET 2026 admit cards and result dates.