The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a major policy shift for national-level entrance exams including JEE Main, NEET-UG, and CUET-UG. Starting from the 2026–27 academic session, candidates will no longer be allowed to select their preferred exam cities. According to the official notification, exam centres will now be allocated strictly based on the address mentioned on the candidate’s Aadhaar card. The new rule aims to enhance transparency, curb impersonation, and prevent malpractice during major entrance exams.
NTA Exam Centre Allocation Linked to Aadhaar Address
Under the revised system, students from smaller towns or rural areas will be assigned centres located in or around their registered Aadhaar address. This marks a complete departure from the existing model where applicants could choose three to four preferred cities while filling out their forms. The NTA stated that the change has been introduced to streamline the verification process and ensure fair conduct across all exam centres.
JEE Main January 2026 to Be First Exam Under New Policy
The new city allocation rule will take effect with the JEE Main January 2026 session and will later extend to NEET-UG 2026 and CUET-UG 2026. Students have been advised to verify and update their Aadhaar details in advance. The agency has clarified that no corrections will be permitted once the application window opens. “Candidates must ensure their Aadhaar-linked address and personal details are accurate, as these will determine their examination centre,” an NTA official stated.
Strict Document Verification Introduced
The NTA has also introduced mandatory document matching between Aadhaar details and academic records. The name, date of birth, and other personal details on the Aadhaar card must exactly match the Class 10 marksheet. Even minor spelling discrepancies or formatting errors could result in application rejection. Before registrations begin, candidates are advised to:
- Visit the nearest UIDAI centre to update Aadhaar details.
- Ensure the address, name, and date of birth match educational documents.
- Cross-check personal details before submitting the exam application form.
Mixed Reactions from Students and Parents
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from aspirants and parents. While some have welcomed the move for promoting fairness, others fear logistical difficulties for students studying away from their permanent address. Those enrolled in schools or coaching institutes outside their hometowns could face travel challenges if their Aadhaar details remain unchanged.
NTA’s Aim: Transparency and Accountability
According to officials, this reform is part of NTA’s broader goal to ensure integrity, uniformity, and transparency in the conduct of national-level entrance exams. By aligning exam centre allocation with Aadhaar authentication, the agency aims to minimise impersonation and fraudulent activities observed in recent exam cycles.
