NTA Introduces Major Change: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to implement a significant reform in the examination process for major national entrance tests. As per recent reports, candidates appearing for JEE Main, NEET UG, and CUET UG from 2026 will no longer be allowed to choose their preferred exam city.
In a major shift, the NTA will now automatically assign exam centres to candidates based on the residential address mentioned in their Aadhar Card. This move is aimed at curbing malpractices like impersonation and bringing greater transparency and fairness to the exam administration process.
Key Highlights of the New NTA Guidelines
- Auto-Allotment of Centres: Exam cities will be assigned by the NTA system, eliminating the candidate’s ability to choose from a dropdown list.
- Aadhar as the Base: The automated allotment will solely use the candidate’s registered residential address on their Aadhar Card.
- Applicable for 2026 Onwards: The new rule is expected to be effective starting with JEE Main 2026 (January/April sessions), followed by NEET UG 2026 and CUET UG 2026.
- Mandatory Aadhar Update: Candidates are strongly advised to verify and update their Aadhar details before the application process begins.
Why This Change? The Rationale Behind the Move
The decision to automate exam centre allotment is driven by several key objectives:
- Curbing Impersonation: By linking the exam centre to the official proof of residence, the NTA aims to make it significantly harder for candidates to use fraudulent means or proxies.
- Reducing Travel Hassles: The new system is designed to assign candidates to centres in or around their hometowns or districts, reducing long-distance travel and associated stress and costs.
- Enhanced Transparency: Automating the process minimizes human intervention, thereby reducing the potential for manipulation in centre allocation.
Action Plan for Aspiring Candidates: What You Must Do Now
With this new guideline, the onus is on the candidate to ensure their Aadhar details are accurate and up-to-date.
Step 1: Update Your Aadhar Card
- Visit the official UIDAI website: uidai.gov.in
- Check your name, date of birth, and address carefully.
- Crucially, ensure that your name and date of birth exactly match your Class 10 (or equivalent) certificate. Even minor discrepancies can lead to application rejection.
- If any details are incorrect, get them updated at the nearest Aadhar Seva Kendra at the earliest.
Step 2: Prepare for Stricter Verification
- NTA has indicated a more stringent document verification process.
- Mismatches in personal details between Aadhar and educational documents will be flagged, potentially leading to the cancellation of your application.
Official Advisory: The NTA, in a recent notification, has already advised students to “verify and update their Aadhar cards in advance, adding that no changes will be entertained once the application window opens.”
Exams Affected and Expected Timeline
The new centre allotment policy will be applicable for the following high-stakes exams:
- JEE Main 2026 (for B.E./B.Tech admissions)
- NEET UG 2026 (for MBBS/BDS admissions)
- CUET UG 2026 (for Central University undergraduate admissions)
While an official notification is yet to be finalized, reports suggest the rollout will begin with the JEE Main 2026 examination cycle.
Candidates must rely only on the official NTA websites (jeemain.nta.nic.in, neet.nta.nic.in, cuet.samarth.ac.in) for the final and confirmed notification.
We recommend all 2026 aspirants to proactively check and correct their Aadhar details to ensure a smooth application process.