In an official notification, the NTA said the move is intended to enhance transparency, curb impersonation, and reduce instances of malpractice during examinations. Currently, students can choose three to four preferred cities while filling out their applications, a system that will be discontinued under the new rules.
According to the agency, candidates from smaller towns and villages will be allotted centres in or around the areas corresponding to their Aadhaar-registered address. However, the decision has prompted concerns among students and parents, particularly those studying or residing away from their permanent homes. Many worry about travel-related challenges if their Aadhaar details are outdated.
The NTA has therefore urged students to verify and update their Aadhaar information well before the application window opens. The new system will first be implemented for the January 2026 session of JEE Main and later extended to other national-level exams.
In addition, the agency has tightened its verification process. Personal details such as name and date of birth on the Aadhaar card must now exactly match those on the Class 10 marksheet. Even minor discrepancies could lead to the cancellation of applications.
Students have been advised to visit their nearest UIDAI centre to correct any errors and ensure that the Aadhaar-linked address is accurate, as it will directly determine their exam location. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD categories have also been advised to keep their category certificates consistent with their Aadhaar and Class 10 records to avoid disqualification or rejection of their reservation claims.
