The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the photo verification certificate submission facility today, January 15, 2026, for JEE Mains 2026 Session-1 candidates. This facility was provided for applicants whose identity verification could not be completed during registration due to non-Aadhaar authentication or photograph mismatch issues.

NTA had earlier informed the affected candidates through their registered email IDs and allowed them to upload the required document through a dedicated portal.

Who Needs to Submit the Photo Verification Certificate?

This process is mandatory only for candidates who:

• Registered using identity documents other than Aadhaar (such as passport, PAN card, or school ID),

• Faced a mismatch between their live photograph and uploaded photo, and

• Received official communication from NTA requesting document submission.

Candidates who completed Aadhaar-based verification successfully are not required to submit this certificate.

Steps to Submit the Photo Verification Certificate

Candidates must complete the following steps before the deadline:

1. Download the photo verification certificate form provided by NTA.

2. Paste a recent passport-size photograph on the form.

3. Get the form attested and signed by an authorised authority.

NTA has relaxed the earlier rule and now allows attestation by:

• School/college principal or headmaster

• Class-I Gazetted Officers such as SDM, Tehsildar, District Magistrate, or Revenue Officer

• Officials of the Indian Embassy (for overseas candidates)

4. Scan the completed document into PDF format.

5. Upload it on the official portal before the deadline today.

6. Keep a printed copy of the certificate, as it must be produced at the examination centre for physical verification.

Consequences of Missing the Deadline

Candidates who fail to upload the certificate within the prescribed time may face:

• Delay or withholding of their JEE Main admit card,

• Denial of entry at the examination centre, or

• Issues in identity verification during the examination process.

NTA has advised all concerned candidates to complete the process immediately to avoid last-minute complications.

JEE Mains 2026 Examination Schedule

• Session-1 exam dates: January 21 to January 29, 2026

• Examination will be conducted in two shifts:

  • Morning: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  • Afternoon: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• Admit cards and city intimation slips are expected to be released shortly.

Important Advice for Candidates

• Regularly check your registered email and application portal for updates.

• If you belong to the non-Aadhaar category, ensure the certificate is uploaded today itself.

• Carry all original identity documents and the printed photo verification certificate to the exam centre.