The National Testing Agency (NTA) will now take live photos of all students at JEE Main exam centres. This new rule starts with the JEE Main 2026 January session exams, which are scheduled from January 21 to January 30 . This important step aims to stop cheating and ensure fair exams for all students by identifying anyone trying to impersonate a candidate.
All students taking the JEE Main 2026 January session will undergo a mandatory facial recognition check and live photo capture at their respective exam centres. This advanced process will instantly verify a student's identity right at the entry point of the examination hall. The NTA has confirmed that this facial recognition and live photo verification will become a standard procedure for all major entrance exams it conducts across India, including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) and also the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in May 2026.
Why New Identity Checks are Needed
The main reason behind introducing live photo capture and facial recognition is to curb or completely stop any cases of impersonation at exam centres. Impersonation means when a different person tries to sit for the exam instead of the actual candidate. This practice is unfair and damages the integrity of the examination system. By using technology, NTA aims to create a more secure and trustworthy environment for all honest candidates.
This decision to implement facial identification on a larger scale comes after its successful trial. The NTA had tested Aadhaar-based facial authentication during the NEET UG 2025 exam at specific examination centres located in Delhi. The positive results from this trial proved the effectiveness of the system in preventing fraud. Based on this success, the NTA is now rolling out this advanced feature more widely to cover all major national-level entrance tests.
The NTA had already begun implementing live photo capture during the registration process for the JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam. Students applying had to upload both a recent scanned photograph and a live photograph. This initial step was also part of NTA's overall plan for facial recognition-based identity verification at the exam centres.
What Students Must Do
Students who will be appearing for the JEE Main 2026 January session exam should keep the following important points in mind:
- Arrive on Time: Make sure to reach your assigned exam centre punctually, according to the reporting time that will be clearly mentioned on your JEE Main admit card. Early arrival helps in completing the verification process smoothly.
- Be Prepared for Verification: Be ready for the new live photo capture and facial recognition process. While the NTA has not yet issued a separate official notification about this specific step, students should be mentally prepared for such updates at the centre.
- Maintain Your Appearance: It is advisable not to change your physical appearance drastically in the days leading up to the exam. This means avoiding major changes like a new hair colour or significant haircuts that might make your face look very different from the photo you uploaded during registration or on your ID.
- Carry a Valid ID: You must bring one original government-issued ID card for identity verification. It is crucial that the ID card clearly shows your photograph. Without a valid photo ID, you might face issues entering the exam hall.
Accepted ID Cards
Students can carry any one of the following ID cards as proof of identity:
- Valid School Identity Card
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card (with photograph)
- e-Aadhaar (with photograph)
- Class 12 Board Admit Card (with photograph)
- Bank Passbook (with Photograph)
Do not feel worried or panic about this new system. The live photo capture and facial recognition steps are put in place for the benefit of all candidates. Their main goal is to ensure that the examination is conducted fairly and without any cheating, protecting the efforts of genuine students.
Important Dates for JEE Main 2026
| Event | Date |
| JEE Main 2026 January Session Exams | January 21 to January 30 |
| JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip | First week of January |
| JEE Main 2026 Admit Card | 3-4 days before your exam date |
Candidates can download their city intimation slip and admit card from the official NTA website: jeemain.nta.nic.in . Stay updated by regularly checking the website for the latest announcements.
