The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts major entrance exams like JEE Main and NEET-UG, is bringing in a new identity check system. From the year 2026 , students appearing for these exams will use facial recognition and live photo capture. This big change aims to make exams more secure, prevent cheating, and ensure that only the correct student takes the test.
This new system will impact two key stages: first, when students fill out their application forms, and second, when they arrive at the exam centers. It is designed to stop any attempts by individuals to impersonate (pretend to be) another student during the crucial examination process.
Live Photo Mandatory During Application
Starting with the 2026 exams, students will no longer be allowed to simply upload an old passport-sized photo for their application. Instead, they will be required to take a live photograph at the time of filling the application form. This process will happen instantly using a webcam on a computer or a camera on a mobile phone.
Once captured, this live image will be directly recorded and linked to the candidate’s application data. This step is crucial because it creates a fresh and accurate record of the student's current appearance. It helps the NTA verify that the person submitting the application is indeed the student who intends to take the exam. This method makes it much harder for anyone to use old, outdated, or doctored photos, increasing the fairness and security of the application process from the very beginning.
Facial Verification at Exam Centres for Entry
Beyond the application stage, facial recognition technology will also be used directly at the exam centers. This will act as an essential second layer of identity check. Before any student is permitted to enter the examination hall, their face will be scanned.
This live facial scan will then be matched with the facial data that was captured and saved during the online application process. This comparison helps confirm that the person presenting themselves at the exam center is the same person who originally applied for the exam. This system will work alongside other existing verification methods, such as checking the student's admit card and other official identity documents like their Aadhaar card or school ID. By adding this advanced facial recognition step, the NTA aims to eliminate any possibility of impersonation at the exam venue, ensuring the integrity of the examination process.
JEE Main 2026 Likely First to Implement
The National Testing Agency plans to roll out this advanced verification system in a phased manner. It is expected that the JEE Main 2026 examination will be the first to put these new changes into practice. This means students preparing for the January session of JEE Main 2026 might be the first group to experience both the live photo capture during application and the facial recognition checks at the test centers.
Following the successful implementation in JEE Main, other major NTA-conducted examinations, including NEET-UG 2026 , are likely to adopt the same new process. The NTA has already conducted trials of similar technology on a smaller scale in earlier exams. These trials have helped the agency prepare for a wider rollout and ensure the system works smoothly for a large number of students.
Ensure Your Aadhaar Photo is Up-to-Date
A significant point for all candidates to consider is the condition of their Aadhaar photograph. As facial recognition technology relies on accurate and up-to-date images, students may need to ensure that their Aadhaar photograph closely matches their current appearance. If there are noticeable differences or mismatches between the photo stored in their Aadhaar records and their current live image, it could lead to complications or delays during the verification process at the exam center.
Therefore, it is advisable for students to review their Aadhaar card and, if necessary, take steps to update their photograph to reflect their current look. The NTA understands these requirements and is expected to issue detailed instructions and guidelines well before the registration process for the 2026 exams begins. These official instructions will provide clear directions on how students should prepare for these new identity verification measures, helping them avoid any last-minute issues.
These new measures represent a strong step by the NTA to make India's competitive entrance exams more secure and fair. Students are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements from the NTA regarding these important changes.
