Content Writer
From 2026, NTA will give JEE, NEET, and CUET exam centres based on Aadhaar addresses, so students can take exams closer to home, and cheating is reduced.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a major change in how exam centres will be allotted for national-level entrance exams like JEE Main, NEET-UG, and CUET-UG. Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, candidates will no longer be able to choose their preferred exam cities. Instead, exam centres will be automatically assigned based on the address mentioned on the candidate’s Aadhaar card, according to the agency’s official notice.
This change aims to make the exam process more transparent and prevent issues such as impersonation and cheating. It marks a significant shift from the current system, where students can select three to four preferred cities when completing their application forms. Under the new rule, candidates from smaller towns or villages will be given exam centres in or near their home areas, based on the address mentioned on their Aadhaar card.
Key Summary
- This new rule will be implemented first for the January 2026 session of JEE Main and will later be extended to other national-level entrance exams.
Students Raise Concerns Over New Rules
However, the decision has also raised concerns among students and parents, especially those who study or live away from their permanent homes. Many worry that the new rule could create travel difficulties during exams if their Aadhaar address is not updated or different from their current location.
The NTA has advised students to check and update their Aadhaar details well in advance, warning that no corrections will be allowed once the application window opens. The new system will first be implemented during the January 2026 session of JEE Main and will later apply to other national-level exams like NEET-UG and CUET-UG.
Exact Details Mandatory for JEE, NEET, CUET Applications
The agency has also tightened its verification process. It has made it compulsory that the name, date of birth, and other personal details on the Aadhaar card must exactly match those on the candidate’s Class 10 marksheet. Even minor spelling mistakes or mismatches may lead to rejection of the application form.
Students have been urged to visit the nearest UIDAI centre to correct any discrepancies in their Aadhaar details as soon as possible. The NTA has further recommended ensuring that the Aadhaar-linked address is accurate, as this will be the main factor in deciding exam centre allocation.
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories have been advised to keep their category certificates updated and ensure they match their Aadhaar and Class 10 records. Officials warned that any discrepancy could lead to rejection of the reservation claim or even disqualification from the exam.
The NTA described the new policy as part of its effort to “streamline the examination process and ensure fairness in candidate verification.” However, it also cautioned that failure to maintain consistency across documents could prevent candidates from appearing for the exams.
For the latest updates and official guidelines on JEE, NEET, and CUET exam centre allocation, students should regularly visit the NTA website at www.nta.ac.in.
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