The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced some major changes for exams like JEE Main, CUET UG, and NEET. From the upcoming sessions, starting from 2026, candidates will not be allowed to choose their preferred exam centre. The centres will now be allotted based on address mentioned on the candidates' admit card.
This move, aimed at increasing transparency and curbing impersonation and cheating, marks a significant shift from the existing system, where students could select three to four preferred cities while filling out their application forms. Under the new guidelines, candidates from smaller towns and villages will be assigned exam centres in or around those areas, corresponding to the address recorded on their Aadhaar card.
However, the decision has raised concerns among students and parents, particularly those studying or residing away from their permanent address. Many fear that the change could lead to travel inconveniences during exams if their Aadhaar details are not updated.
The NTA has therefore urged students to verify and, if necessary, update their Aadhaar details well in advance, cautioning that no changes will be entertained once the application window opens. The rule will first come into effect with the January 2026 session of JEE Main, and will subsequently apply to other national-level exams.
Strict Matching of Documents Required
The agency has further tightened the verification process. It has made it mandatory that names, dates of birth, and other personal details on the Aadhaar card must exactly match those on the Class 10 marksheet. Even minor spelling errors or mismatches could lead to cancellation of the application form.
Students have been advised to visit their nearest UIDAI centre to rectify any discrepancies immediately. The NTA has also recommended ensuring that the Aadhaar-linked address is accurate, as it will be the deciding factor in exam centre allocation.
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories have been advised to keep their respective category certificates updated and consistent with their Aadhaar and Class 10 records. Any inconsistency, officials said, could result in the rejection of the reservation claim or even disqualification.
The NTA described the new policy as part of its effort to “streamline the examination process and strengthen fairness in candidate verification". However, it also warned that failure to ensure uniformity across documents could cost candidates their chance to appear for the exams.
JEE Main Expected Changes
Candidates can check a few major changes expected in the upcoming JEE Main exam.
Expected Change 1 → 40-50% Pre-filled JEE Main Application Form
The first major change which is expected this year is that the basic details like the candidates' name, address, phone number, and e-mail ID will be pre filled based on the Aadhar card details. Therefore, in this situation, the candidates are strictly advised to keep all their documents updated with latest information.
Practice filling the JEE Main Application Form Here for Smooth Process Ahead
Expected Change 2 → No Option to Choose & Fill the JEE Main Exam Centre
It is highly anticipated that this year, the aspirants will not be allowed to choose their preferred exam city. As per the latest reports the students will be allocated theJEE Main test cityrandomly and will be informed via the JEE Main city intimation slip.
