A wave of confusion swept through the student community recently. Reports suggested that JEE Main 2026 candidates would lose the option to choose their exam cities. The claim was that exam centres would be allocated based solely on Aadhaar card addresses. This news naturally worried thousands of students preparing for the entrance test.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has now stepped in to clear the air. The agency released an official clarification addressing these viral claims. Let's break down what actually happened and what it means for JEE Main 2026 aspirants.
What Was the Confusion About?
Several media reports claimed that students appearing for JEE Main, NEET, and CUET 2026 would not get to choose their preferred exam cities. According to these reports, the NTA would assign exam centres based on the address mentioned in the candidate's Aadhaar card. This sparked concern among students who might be studying in a different city from their permanent address.
The confusion stemmed from an advisory that NTA issued on 29 September 2025. In this advisory, the agency asked students to update and verify their identity documents before the application process began. These documents included Aadhaar cards, UDID cards, and category certificates.
NTA's Official Clarification
The NTA has made it clear that the advisory about updating Aadhaar cards has nothing to do with exam city allocation. The agency issued this clarification after multiple reports caused unnecessary panic among students.
According to NTA's statement, some candidates faced difficulties while filling their online application forms. These problems occurred because of mismatches in details across different documents. The information on Aadhaar cards, Class 10 certificates, and other supporting documents did not match in some cases.
To help students avoid such issues, NTA released the public notice on 29 September 2025. The notice simply advised candidates to update and verify their primary identity documents well before applications opened. This was a preventive measure to ensure smooth application submission.
The agency stressed that this advisory is completely unrelated to city or centre allocation. Students will continue to get the option to select their preferred exam cities, just as they have in previous years.
Why Document Verification Matters
You might wonder why NTA is so particular about document verification. The reason is simple. When you fill your JEE Main application form, the system checks your information against official records. If your name is spelled differently on your Aadhaar card and Class 10 certificate, the system flags it as an error.
These mismatches can delay your application or even lead to rejection. Students have faced such problems in past examination cycles. Some common issues include:
- Different spellings of names across documents
- Date of birth mismatches
- Incorrect category certificate details
- Outdated photographs on identity cards
- Address format differences
By asking students to verify documents early, NTA wants to prevent last minute panic. It gives you enough time to get corrections done if needed.
When Will JEE Main 2026 Registration Begin?
NTA will activate the JEE Main 2026 registration link this month on the official website jeemain.nta.nic.in. The exact dates for registration and the exam have not been announced yet. The agency will soon release the complete schedule on its official portal.
JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in two sessions, just like previous years. These sessions are typically held in January and April. Students can appear for both sessions and use their best score for admissions.
Understanding JEE Main Papers
JEE Main consists of two papers, each serving different purposes.
Paper 1
This paper is for students seeking admission to undergraduate engineering programmes. It covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Your Paper 1 score determines eligibility for:
- BE and BTech courses in NITs (National Institutes of Technology)
- Admissions to IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology)
- Engineering seats in other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs)
- Qualification for JEE Advanced, which leads to IITs
Paper 2
Paper 2 is divided into two parts. Paper 2A is for BArch (Bachelor of Architecture) admissions, while Paper 2B is for BPlanning courses. These papers test aptitude, drawing skills, and planning abilities along with Mathematics.
What Should Students Do Now?
With the clarification out of the way, here's what you should focus on as a JEE Main 2026 candidate:
1. Verify Your Documents
Take out your Aadhaar card, Class 10 marksheet, and category certificate if applicable. Check if all details match perfectly. Look for:
- Exact name spelling
- Correct date of birth
- Proper photograph
- Valid category certificate with correct dates
If you spot any mismatch, start the correction process now. Getting Aadhaar corrections can take time, so don't wait until applications open.
2. Keep Documents Ready
Have scanned copies of all required documents ready in the specified format. Most entrance exams require:
- Recent passport size photograph
- Signature in a specific format
- Identity proof
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
3. Watch the Official Website
Keep checking jeemain.nta.nic.in regularly. NTA will announce registration dates, exam schedule, and detailed guidelines on this portal. Don't rely solely on third party websites or news reports for official information.
4. Prepare Your Exam City Preferences
Since you will get to choose your exam cities, start thinking about your preferences. Consider factors like:
- Distance from your home or coaching centre
- Travel convenience
- Availability of accommodation if needed
- Familiarity with the city
You typically get to select multiple city preferences. The actual centre within your chosen city is assigned by NTA.
5. Focus on Preparation
Don't let such news distract you from your main goal. These clarifications show why you should always verify information from official sources. Use your time and energy for focused preparation instead of worrying about unverified claims.
How to Avoid Falling for Misinformation
This incident teaches an important lesson about information verification. Here's how you can avoid falling for false claims:
Always check the official website first. NTA releases all important updates on its official portal. If you see concerning news, visit the official website before panicking.
Look for official press releases. Genuine policy changes are announced through proper channels with detailed press releases.
Join official social media handles. NTA has official accounts where they post updates and clarifications.
Consult reliable sources. If you're confused, reach out to your school counsellor or coaching institute for guidance.
Don't forward unverified information. Sharing panic inducing news without verification spreads unnecessary fear in the student community.
The Road Ahead
JEE Main remains one of India's most competitive entrance examinations. Lakhs of students appear for it every year, hoping to secure seats in premier engineering institutions. The exam tests your understanding of concepts, problem solving abilities, and time management skills.
With the city selection confusion now cleared, you can focus on what truly matters – your preparation. The fact that you'll still get to choose your preferred exam cities should come as a relief. This flexibility helps students appear for the exam in familiar surroundings, reducing stress on the exam day.
Remember that NTA designs its processes keeping student convenience in mind. While rules and procedures may evolve, such fundamental aspects rarely change without proper notice and reasoning.
Key Takeaways
Let's recap the important points from NTA's clarification:
- The exam city selection option for JEE Main 2026 remains unchanged
- The Aadhaar card update advisory was only about document verification
- Students will continue to choose their preferred exam cities
- Aadhaar card address does not determine your exam centre location
- Document verification should be completed before registration begins
- Registration will open soon on the official website
- JEE Main 2026 will be held in two sessions as usual
The confusion around exam city allocation shows how quickly misinformation can spread. It also highlights the importance of relying on official sources for important updates. As a JEE aspirant, developing the habit of verifying information will serve you well not just during admissions but throughout your academic and professional life.
Keep your documents ready, stay updated through official channels, and maintain your focus on preparation. The path to your engineering dreams remains clear, with the flexibility to choose where you want to take that crucial step.
