The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the deadline for identity verification for candidates who were flagged for a photograph mismatch during registration for JEE Main 2026 session 1. Affected candidates now have until 15 January 2026 to upload a signed and attested identity verification certificate along with a recent photograph using the link sent to their registered email address.
How candidates can complete JEE Main 2026 identity verification
Earlier, the NTA required attestation from a school or college principal or headmaster. In response to complaints about the non-availability of these verifying authorities, the agency has broadened the list of acceptable attestors. Candidates may now obtain attestation from a Class I Gazetted Officer, such as a Tehsildar, Revenue Officer, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, District Magistrate or any other Class I Gazetted Officer. NRI candidates may also seek attestation from an officer of the Indian Embassy.
The attested certificate must be accompanied by a recent passport-style photograph. Once uploaded through the link provided in the candidate’s registered email, the document will be used for identity verification. Candidates are advised to ensure that the photograph matches the one uploaded during registration to avoid further complications.
Importantly, the NTA has clarified that candidates must carry a printed copy of the attested certificate to the examination centre on the day of the test for physical verification. Failure to present the physical document may affect entry to the examination.
Officials emphasised that this measure aims to accommodate candidates who faced difficulty obtaining attestation from educational authorities and to ensure that administrative hurdles do not prevent eligible candidates from taking the examination. The extension gives affected candidates a clear, additional window to regularise their documentation ahead of the session 1 examination.
What to expect next and how to download the city slip
The NTA is also expected to release the JEE Main session 1 exam city slip this week, with an anticipated date before 7 January. The city slip is issued ahead of the admit card so that candidates can finalise travel arrangements. The full address of the examination centre will appear only on the hall ticket.
To download the city slip candidates should:
- Visit the official website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
- Click the session 1 exam city slip link on the homepage.
- Enter application number and date of birth, then submit.
- Download, save and print the city intimation slip for reference.
For any further clarifications or to access the upload link, candidates should check the official NTA communications sent to their registered email IDs and consult the jeemain.nta.nic.in website. Candidates are encouraged to act promptly to complete the JEE Main 2026 identity verification process within the extended deadline.
Key Takeaways:
- NTA has extended the deadline to 15 January 2026 for candidates flagged in JEE Main 2026 identity verification.
- Candidates can upload an attested identity verification certificate and a recent photograph via a link sent to their registered email.
- Attestation is now permitted by Class I Gazetted Officers and Indian Embassy officials for NRIs; candidates must carry a printed copy to the exam centre.
- JEE Main session 1 city slips are expected before 7 January; candidates should check jeemain.nta.nic.in for downloads.
