From 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will assign exam centres for JEE Main, NEET UG, and CUET UG based on the candidate’s Aadhaar card address. This change aims to make the process fair and prevent misuse. Candidates will no longer be able to select multiple exam cities.
The NTA has confirmed that all students must ensure that their Aadhaar details match their Class 10 marksheet. Any mismatch may lead to rejection of the application. The new rule affects candidates from small towns and villages, as they will now get exam centres near their Aadhaar-registered address.
Exam City Selection Removed for JEE, NEET, and CUET 2026
From 2026, students will not be allowed to choose exam cities for JEE Main, NEET UG, and CUET UG. Earlier, candidates could select up to three or four cities. Now, the centre allocation will strictly follow the address on the Aadhaar card. This ensures fairness and reduces the risk of cheating during exams.
Candidates are advised to verify their Aadhaar address well before the application process. Any incorrect or outdated details may result in last-minute issues and disqualification. Students should visit the nearest UIDAI centre for corrections if necessary.
Document Verification Strengthened for NTA Exams 2026
The NTA will strengthen document verification for JEE Main, NEET UG, and CUET UG 2026. Candidates’ name, date of birth, and other particulars must exactly match their Aadhaar card and Class 10 marksheet. Even minor errors can invalidate applications.
SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD Certificate Verification
Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories must ensure that their category certificate details match both Aadhaar and Class 10 marksheet. Discrepancies may lead to rejection of reservation claims or disqualification from JEE Main 2026, NEET UG 2026, or CUET UG 2026.
Proper document matching will also ensure smooth exam centre allocation and reduce last-minute issues for students.
Implementation of New Exam Centre Rule from 2026
The new exam centre rule will first apply to JEE Main 2026 exams in January and April. Similar rules will be applied for NEET UG 2026 and CUET UG 2026. Candidates must check and update Aadhaar details before the application process begins, as no changes will be allowed after the window opens.
The NTA introduced this rule to enhance fairness and strengthen candidate verification, making the exam process transparent and efficient for all candidates across India.
