Announcement
NTA Announces Major Changes in NEET & JEE Exam Center Allocation for 2026
- 12 October, 2025
- by Admin
Aadhaar-Based Center Allotment Now Mandatory for All Candidates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released a public notice on 29 September 2025, announcing major changes to the exam center allocation process for NEET and JEE (Main) 2026.
Starting next year, candidates will no longer be able to choose their preferred exam centers or cities. Instead, exam centers will now be automatically assigned based on the address mentioned on the candidate’s Aadhaar Card.
This new rule, as stated in the NTA’s official advisory, is part of a larger effort to make the examination process more transparent, efficient, and secure.
Highlights from the Official NTA Notice
According to the NTA public notice dated 29 September 2025, all candidates appearing for JEE (Main) 2026 and NEET (UG) 2026 must follow these updated guidelines before filling out the online application form:
- Aadhaar Card (or valid photo ID)
- Candidates must ensure that their name, date of birth, and other details on the Aadhaar match their Class 10th certificate.
- Any mismatch can lead to rejection of the application.
- Category Certificates (EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL)
- Candidates applying under reserved categories must upload a valid, updated certificate during the application process.
- PWD Certificate (if applicable)
- Students with disabilities must upload an authentic, government-verified disability certificate.
- Regular Website Updates
- Candidates are advised to visit the NTA’s official website (www.nta.ac.in) regularly for further instructions and exam announcements.
(Source: Official NTA Public Notice dated 29 September 2025 and Reference by https://jeemain.nta.nic.in/public-notices/ | Direct PDF Advisory on Aadhaar Updates for JEE 2026)
What’s New in NEET & JEE 2026 Exam Center Allotment?
Previously, students were allowed to select three preferred exam cities during registration. But from 2026 onwards, exam centers will be assigned solely on the Aadhaar card address — a step aimed at ensuring fairness and eliminating fraudulent activities. This change could have both positive and challenging impacts for aspirants.
Why the NTA Introduced Aadhaar-Based Exam Centers
The NTA’s move is driven by three key goals:
- Simplify the Exam Process: Eliminating manual center selection reduces logistical pressure and makes center allotment faster and more uniform.
- Strengthen Security & Transparency: This step helps prevent impersonation and fake registrations, ensuring candidates appear only in centers linked to their verified Aadhaar address.
- Reduce Data Discrepancies: Students often face mismatches between Aadhaar and school records — this system encourages early data accuracy and verification.
How This Change Impacts NEET & JEE Aspirants
- Address Accuracy is Now Crucial: If your Aadhaar card shows an old or incorrect address, your exam center might be allotted far from your current residence — leading to travel inconvenience and additional expenses.
- Travel & Accommodation Issues: Students who have moved cities for coaching (e.g., Kota, Pune, Hyderabad) may need to travel back to their Aadhaar address location for the exam.
- Fairness Concerns: While the system reduces fraud, some students fear that the lack of flexibility may disadvantage those studying away from home.
Guide to Prepare for NEET/JEE 2026 Changes
To avoid last-minute issues, every aspirant should take these actions now:
- Update Your Aadhaar Card: Ensure your Aadhaar reflects your current residential address. You can easily update it online via the UIDAI website or at the nearest Aadhaar center.
- Match Educational Records: Double-check that your 10th-grade certificate, Aadhaar, and category certificates all carry identical spellings and details.
- Prepare for Travel in Advance: If your center is likely to be far, plan travel logistics and nearby accommodation well in advance.
- Stay Updated via Official NTA Sources: Keep visiting www.nta.ac.in and also follow Scholartude’s updates for verified information, tips, and reminders. For NEET-specific updates: NEET Public Notices.
Scholartude’s Insight for Students
At Scholartude, we believe that success is built on awareness and action. While the NTA’s move ensures greater transparency, students must now be extra careful with documentation and planning.
By staying informed and organized, you can avoid technical errors and focus entirely on your preparation for NEET and JEE 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Aadhaar-based exam center system is one of the most impactful policy changes in recent years for NEET and JEE aspirants. Though it simplifies logistics and enhances security, students must be proactive in updating their details and preparing for any travel challenges.
At Scholartude, our mission is to help students learn smart, plan early, and succeed confidently — not just academically, but strategically too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NEET & JEE 2026 Exam Center Changes
