The **National Testing Agency (NTA)** has issued an important update for students appearing for **JEE Main 2026**. Some candidates who applied for the exam without using their **Aadhaar Card** or **DigiLocker** as proof of identity must now submit an extra document. This document is called the **"Photo Verification Certificate"**. The **deadline** to upload this certificate is **January 7, 2026**. All affected students have received an email from NTA with these instructions. Separately, NTA is also preparing to release the **JEE Main 2026 City Intimation Slip** in the **first week of January 2026**, ahead of the **Session 1 exams** scheduled from **January 21 to January 30, 2026**.
Who Needs to Submit the Photo Verification Certificate?
This new rule applies to students who used other forms of identity proof when filling out their JEE Main 2026 application form. These other identity documents include:
- **PAN Card**
- **Indian Passport**
- **Non-Indian Passport**
If you used any of these documents instead of Aadhaar Card or DigiLocker, NTA would have sent you an email. You must complete this process to avoid problems with your application.
Steps to Submit Your Photo Verification Certificate
It is important to follow these steps carefully to ensure your certificate is submitted correctly:
- **Step 1: Log in to the JEE Main Website.** Go to the official JEE Main website: **jeemain.nta.nic.in**. You will need your **JEE Main 2026 application number** and your **password** to log in to your candidate account.
- **Step 2: Download the Certificate.** Once logged in, look for and download the "Photo Verification Certificate." This certificate form will be available directly in your account.
- **Step 3: Fill in Your Details.** Carefully fill in all the required personal details on the downloaded certificate.
- **Step 4: Attach Your Photograph.** Stick a recent passport-size photograph in the dedicated space on the certificate. Make sure the photo is clear and easily identifiable.
- **Step 5: Get it Attested.** Take the filled certificate with your photo to your **School/College Principal or Headmaster**. They must sign it. A very important detail here is that the **signature of the Principal/Headmaster must appear partly on your photograph and partly on the certificate paper**. This helps to confirm that the photo belongs to you and has been verified by an official.
- **Step 6: Scan the Completed Certificate.** After getting it signed, scan the entire completed certificate. Ensure the scan is clear and all details, including the photo and signature, are readable. Save this scanned document as a **PDF file**.
- **Step 7: Upload the PDF.** Go back to your JEE Main candidate login on **jeemain.nta.nic.in** and upload the scanned PDF file through the link provided.
Remember, the last day to complete this entire process and upload your certificate is **January 7, 2026**. Do not miss this deadline.
What to Bring on Exam Day
Even after uploading the certificate online, you must keep a **printed copy** of the same "Photo Verification Certificate" with you. You will need to bring this printout to your assigned **exam centre** on the day of your JEE Main 2026 exam. It will be used for a physical identity check to ensure the person taking the exam matches the application.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you face any issues or have questions about submitting the Photo Verification Certificate, you can contact NTA directly. Here are their contact details:
- **Phone Numbers:** **011-40759000** or **011-69227700**
- **Email:** **jeemain@nta.ac.in**
JEE Main 2026 Exam City Slips Coming Soon
In other news for JEE Main 2026 applicants, NTA will soon release the **City Intimation Slip**. This slip is important because it will tell you which city your exam will be held in and on what date. It is expected to be released in the **first week of January 2026**.
How to Download Your City Intimation Slip:
- Visit the official JEE Main website.
- Log in to your candidate portal using your **JEE Main application number** and your **password** or **date of birth**.
- Download the City Intimation Slip.
Please note that the City Intimation Slip is **not** your Admit Card. The Admit Card, which allows you to enter the exam hall, will be released closer to the exam dates. The **JEE Main 2026 Session 1** examinations are scheduled to take place from **January 21 to January 30, 2026**.
